A frightening start to the school year for a Chatham high school.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service said officers began an investigation Thursday evening after receiving a report about potential threats of violence at John McGregor Secondary School in Chatham.
According to authorities, images of firearms had been shared in a Snapchat group conversation involving several students, along with comments mentioning a potential shooting at the school.
Police and school administration questioned three youths about the conversation and learned that one had been told not to attend school on Friday.
As a result, a 13-year-old youth has been arrested and charged with uttering threats. The youth, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been released into the care of a parent and will answer the charge in court at a later date.
It has since been determined by investigators that the threat to the school was not credible and there is no ongoing concern for public safety.
In a letter sent home to parents, the Lambton Kent District School Board said it takes all allegations of potential threats “very seriously.”
“We remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students,” the school board said.