Cops seek to ID person linked to knife incident
Police still investigating Dec. 13 incident involving four armed teenagers allegedly trying to gain entry to Leo Hayes High School; three arrested, but efforts to identify fourth continue
Fredericton police released a photo of an individual whom officers are trying to identify in connection with an incident in which four armed teens allegedly tried to access a northside school last month.
The city police force released a photo through social media Sunday morning of a hooded individual whose face couldn’t be seen.
“The Fredericton Police Force is seeking the public’s help in identifying the following individual related to an ongoing investigation of an incident that occurred at Leo Hayes High School [LHHS] on Dec. 13, 2024,” it said.
“We acknowledge that the quality of the photo is not ideal, but we are hopeful that someone may recognize this individual or have information that will help identify them.”
The Fredericton Independent has learned that the pictured individual is a person of interest in an alleged instance of attempted violence at the school on that date.
In a news release issued Dec. 20, the police force revealed detectives are delving into two incidents at Leo Hayes that month that had led to arrests on weapons and threats charges.
“At approximately 12 p.m. [Friday, Dec. 13], four youth armed with knives in a stolen vehicle attempted to access LHHS. The suspects were unable to enter due to secured doors and fled prior to police arrival,” the release said.
“Police arrived within minutes and secured the school perimeter. Investigation revealed the youth were targeting one specific individual.”
The force reported that three suspects were identified, with one left outstanding.
Police spokesperson Sonya Gilks confirmed in an email Sunday that the effort to identify the pictured individual is connected to that same investigation.
Police also confirmed last month that there had been a subsequent threat at the school Dec. 16 that was found to be connected to the events of Dec. 13.
“At approximately 7:40 a.m. [Dec. 16], a LHHS student received threatening messages via social media targeting them and the school community,” it said.
“Investigation revealed the message's author was involved in the Dec. 13 incident.”
The force said officers carried out “a targeted operation” and arrested three 17-year-old boys, who are facing multiple alleged charges.
Two of those boys were charged with possession of a weapon, attempted assault with a weapon and possession of stolen property. One is accused of uttering threats and breaching his probation, while another is accused of breaching a police undertaking and a judicial release order.
Both have been remanded into custody.
The police said the third boy who was arrested was released on conditions and a promise to appear in youth court at a later date. He’s also expected to face counts of possession of a weapon, attempted assault with a weapon and possession of stolen property.
Anyone with information about the identity of the individual in the photo released Sunday is urged to contact the Fredericton Police Force by calling 506-460-2300 or emailing Const. Gerik Skoretz at gerik.skoretz@fredericton.ca.
Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the secure P3 Mobile App or visiting Secure Web Tips online at www.crimenb.ca.
Tipsters can cite police file no. 24-29500.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.