No threat found after partial lockdown at FHS
Thursday afternoon’s police response marks third such incident at school since Nov. 28
For the third time in two weeks, police responded urgently to a report of a weapon-related threat Thursday, though like once from last week, officers found no safety risk.
The Fredericton Police Force issued an advisory through social media Thursday afternoon about a significant police presence at Fredericton High School between Priestman and Prospect streets beginning over the lunch hour.
“This afternoon at approximately 12:30 p.m., the Fredericton Police Force (FPF) responded to Fredericton High School (FHS) after school administration received information indicating a potential firearm may have been within the building,” the force’s post said.
“Police arrived on scene at 12:46 p.m., and the school was quickly placed in a partial lockdown while officers secured the premises and ensured the safety of students and staff.”
It said that after a thorough search and investigation, police determined there was no threat, prompting the end of the partial lockdown at 2:57 p.m.
“Although this potential firearm response turned out to be unfounded, the FPF will always treat such situations with the utmost seriousness and take all necessary precautions to ensure everyone's safety,” the force said.
Thursday’s events came just six days after a similar situation at FHS. On Dec. 6, the school was placed on a lockdown after a similar and also unfounded threat was made.
“[That] afternoon at 3:35 p.m., the Fredericton Police Force (FPF) responded to a potential threat at Fredericton High School,” the force said last week.
“A student received a text message from an unknown number indicating a potential shooter scenario, prompting the school administration to contact 911.”
Nothing was found, and students and staff were permitted to leave the building shortly before 6 p.m.
And on Nov. 28, city police officers responded to FHS, but in that instance, it appears there was some merit to the emergency call.
Police arrested a 14-year-old male student, who was later released on conditions, with a promise to appear in court at a later date.
It’s expected he’ll face such charges as possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace and carrying a concealed weapon, a police spokesperson said late last month.
Police didn’t reveal the nature of the weapon alleged to have been involved in that incident.
The Fredericton Independent can be reached at ftonindependent@gmail.com.
Release the kid lol,maybe a few nights in jail might deter this behaviour.