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Ross Sheppard High School in Edmonton was locked down Friday after a weapons complaint that turned out to be an imitation firearm. Police responded at 12:30 p.m. and lifted the lockdown at 2:30 p.m.
Ross Sheppard High School in Edmonton was placed under a full lockdown on Friday afternoon following a weapons complaint that was later determined to involve an imitation firearm. Edmonton Police Service officers responded to the complaint at 12:30 p.m., according to a spokesperson. The lockdown was lifted at 2:30 p.m. after officers gave the all clear. There were no injuries and no arrests made.
Police Response and Lockdown Details
Cruisers swarmed the building, and a loudspeaker from the school informed students and administration of a lockdown, instructing them to stay away from doors and windows. An Edmonton Police Service spokesperson said officers responded to the complaint at 12:30 p.m. The weapon was found to be an imitation firearm. The spokesperson noted that imitation guns can appear very real, and people, including police, cannot tell the difference. The lockdown lasted two hours before being lifted at 2:30 p.m.
School Board Communication with Families
One concerned parent at the scene received an automated message from the Edmonton Public School Board alerting them of the lockdown. The message stated that the child is safe and that everyone is quiet and staying out of sight. The school board said it uses SchoolMessenger, an urgent message system the division employs to keep families aware of emergency events. A spokesperson told CTV News Edmonton that a letter would also be going out to parents.
Imitation Firearms and Police Challenges
The incident highlights the challenges police face when responding to weapons complaints involving imitation firearms. According to the EPS spokesperson, imitation guns can appear very real, and people, including police, cannot tell the difference. This can lead to heightened responses such as lockdowns to ensure public safety. The quick resolution of this incident, with no injuries and no arrests, underscores the importance of treating all weapons complaints seriously until the nature of the threat is determined.
The lockdown at Ross Sheppard High School serves as a reminder of the protocols in place to protect students and staff during potential emergencies. The Edmonton Public School Board's use of SchoolMessenger allows for immediate communication with families, providing reassurance and instructions during lockdowns. The decision to lift the lockdown at 2:30 p.m. came after officers conducted a thorough assessment and gave the all clear.
No further details have been released about the individual involved or the circumstances leading to the complaint. The Edmonton Police Service continues to investigate the incident. The school board's letter to parents is expected to provide additional information and support resources. The safety and well-being of students remain the top priority for both the school and the police.
Imitation firearms are often indistinguishable from real guns, prompting law enforcement to respond with full precautionary measures. This incident adds to the ongoing discussion about the regulation and use of such replicas. While no one was harmed, the lockdown caused disruption and concern among students, staff, and parents. The Edmonton Police Service encourages anyone with information about similar incidents to come forward.
Ross Sheppard High School Edmonton Police Service Imitation Firearm Lockdown Edmonton Public School Board Schoolmessenger Weapons Complaint
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