Ontario Provincial Police have upgraded charges against a former student in connection with a Collingwood school threat investigation.
"On September 11, 2024, the Collingwood and Blue Mountains Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report about a potential threat to Collingwood Collegiate Institute (CCI) by a former student. It was discovered that the threat was made in March 2024 and was not imminent. However, as the OPP takes all threats to public safety seriously, an investigation began under the Huronia West OPP Crime Unit and later under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB)," police said in a news release.
Following the two arrests on September 11, a search warrant of an electronic device revealed additional details, which police said indicated the plan to harm students was elaborate and well-researched.
"Thank you to everyone who provided information about this threat. Your actions have helped protect students and staff from potential harm. The upgraded charges show the magnitude and seriousness of this investigation. Though the charges have been upgraded, this investigation remains ongoing and we urge anyone with additional information to contact the OPP," said Det. Insp. Sean Chatland with the OPP’s CIB.
As a result of the investigation, the charges against a 19-year-old from Clearview Township have been upgraded to the following offences:
- Attempted murder
- Attempt to commit an assault with a weapon
- two counts of possession of a firearm
- three counts of possession of a prohibited device
- two counts of careless storage of a firearm, as per section
- three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, as per section
- three counts of weapons dangerous
- three counts of possession a prohibited device for a purpose dangerous to the public peace,
The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 20.
