Guelph high school closed on Monday due to bomb threat

GUELPH – A Guelph teenager has been charged in connection with a bomb threat that closed John F. Ross high school on Monday.

Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) officials say they notified police about an emailed threat shortly after 6am on Feb. 24.

"While this has not been confirmed as a credible threat, we have decided to move to remote learning for the day," stated a press release from UGDSB.

"The safety and well-being of students is always our number one concern and the top concern of all our staff members."

In an update sent just before noon on Feb. 24, UGDSB officials stated the "hold and secure" at the school was lifted by police at about 11:15am.

"Educators and students will remain in a remote learning environment for the remainder of the day," stated the emailed update.

"The school will be open as normal tomorrow."

In a press release issued at 1:26pm, Guelph Police Service officials stated officers "surrounded the school until an extensive search was completed ... with assistance from an OPP canine unit trained to detect explosives.

"Nothing of concern was located in the school and the building was turned over to school board officials at approximately 11:30am."

A 14-year-old from Guelph was arrested and charged with public mischief and two counts of uttering threats.

Asked if the accused teen is a student at the school, Guelph Police spokesperson Scott Tracey replied, "To ensure the accused cannot be identified pursuant to the Youth Criminal Justice Act we will not be releasing any other identifying information."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Guelph Police.