Youth arrest for school gun scare

Police responded en masse Monday after receiving a complaint of a youth at Yorkton Regional High School possibly in possession of a firearm.

The incident resulted in the arrest of a boy, who has now been confirmed as a current student of the high school Police said a replica firearm was seized at the scene.

Another student sustained undisclosed injuries as an indirect result of the incident and was transported  to hospital. the RCMP stressed that these injuries were not inflicted by the suspect, nor was there ever any threat of an actual shooting.

According to Quinton Robertson, education director for Good Spirit School Division, the school immediately initiated its lockdown procedure. Initial police reports had suggested otherwise because the incident was quickly controlled.

Two nearby elementary schools, Dr. Brass and MC Knoll were placed in a hold and secure state, a lesser protocol in which the exterior doors are locked, but activities otherwise remain normal. Given the proximity of the schools, Robertson said it was a logical step, but not necessary to go to full lockdown.

Both the lockdown at the high school and the hold and secure at the other schools were lifted at 2:30 p.m., approximately 45 minutes after the incident began.

The male suspect has been charged with possession of a weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of marijuana and two counts of failing to comply with an undertaking. He is scheduled to appear in Regina Provincial Court June 22 at 10 a.m..