Niagara Regional Police 5 District Fort Erie detectives are investigating the telephone threats to three local elementary schools that occurred this week.
As result of that investigation detectives identified two suspects. The investigation further determined that the same suspects were involved in the incidents at Stevensville Public School (January 24th), Garrison Road Public School (January 24th) and John Brant Public School (January 26th). On January 27, 2023, detectives arrested both suspects.
Two 15-year-old males from Fort Erie have been arrested and each charged with the criminal offences of:
• Utter Threats (3 Counts) – Sec. 264.1(1)(a) C.C.
• False Message (3 Counts) – Sec. 372(1) C.C.
• Public Mischief (3 Counts) – Sec. 140(1)(c) C.C.
The two males are being held in custody for video bail hearings that will occur on January 28, 2023, at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.
The Youth Criminal Justice Act of Canada prohibits the Niagara Regional Police Service from identifying young persons charged with a crime.
The Niagara Regional Police would like to thank the community of Fort Erie for their patience and cooperation as we investigated these incidents this week. We would like to also acknowledge the cooperation of the staff of the affected schools and the Senior Management of the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN). As a result of the investigation detectives do not believe there is an ongoing safety concern related to these incidents. We are committed to the belief that schools must remain a safe place for our children, their educators, and the support staff.
The investigation remains ongoing by 5 District Fort Erie detectives. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1022300.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
Click Here For Crime Stoppers Online
23-8291
Related Releases
Original Release – January 24, 2023 – Click Here
Update 1 – January 26, 2023 – Click Here
Related Incident Release
Fort Erie – Ridgeway School Subject of Telephone Bomb Threat – January 26, 2023 – Click Here