Parents shaken after threats lead to arrest of 16-year-old boy at Masonville school

Parents at Masonville Public School are concerned after police say a teenager threatened to discharge a firearm at the school. CTV’s Reta Ismail explains.

Parents at Masonville Public School say they were shaken after learning a 16-year-old boy was arrested last week for allegedly making threats indicating he would discharge a firearm at the elementary school.

Police say no weapons were found during the investigation, but the incident caused significant concern among families.

Parent Maggie Freeman says fear spread quickly as word circulated that police were investigating potential threats connected to the school.

“Freak out is obviously a bit of an exaggeration, but as a parent, you can’t help it. You can’t help but freak out a little bit, right? It’s just, you’re scared. You didn’t know what actually could have happened,” Freeman said.

Another parent told CTV News she was “petrified,” noting the neighbourhood and school have strong reputations for safety.

The Thames Valley District School Board sent an email to families late Friday notifying them of the situation. It stated that while a threat had been received, “the situation did not require the school to enter a lockdown or hold and secure.”

London police say officers acted quickly once the report came in.

“The London Police Service takes these investigations seriously. Officers acted quickly and as a result of their quick response, were able to identify and locate the individual and made the arrest and have charged the 16-year-old youth with two counts of uttering threats,” Const. Matthew Dawson said.

The teen cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

At approximately 4 p.m. Friday, officers executed a search warrant at the youth’s home. Police say no weapons or firearms were found, and investigators later confirmed neither the teen nor their family has access to any weapons.

In a statement, police acknowledged incidents like this can cause unrest within school communities, adding the London Police Service remains committed to ensuring public safety.