A 17-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder following a disturbing incident at a northeast Calgary high school on Thursday, police confirmed on Friday.
Incident at Lester B. Pearson High School
At approximately 12:05 p.m. on Thursday, officers responded to Lester B. Pearson High School after receiving reports that a youth armed with a knife was smashing property and making threats toward students and staff. The suspect also attempted to stab a student, according to police reports.
The school was immediately placed under lockdown as a safety precaution.
Arrest and Charges
Officers entered the school and arrested the suspect within minutes, taking him into custody without further incident. As a result of the alleged assault, one student sustained minor injuries. The lockdown continued until authorities confirmed there were no additional victims or ongoing threats to students and staff.
Calgary police stated in a Friday news release that investigators believe the attack was premeditated.
The 17-year-old suspect, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with one count each of attempted murder, uttering threats, and mischief to property under $5,000. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
Importance of Lockdown Drills
Calgary Police Service Staff Sgt. Mike Sushelnitsky emphasized the importance of preparedness, stating, “Incidents like this highlight just how important lockdown drills are. The preparedness of students and staff may well have saved lives.”
Lester B. Pearson High School is offering support and resources to students and staff affected by the incident, according to CPS.
