A police investigation into what children thought might be a firearm prompted enactment of a Secure the Building protocol at a Regina elementary school today. Seven Stones School, in the 1100 block of Princess Street, took the precaution for a period of about an hour and a half this afternoon, from approximately 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The concern of a firearm, which prompted this precautionary measure, is unfounded.
Police were dispatched at about 12:58 p.m. today, Tuesday, June 12th, to a school in the 1100 block of Princess Street after some students reported that they had seen a male, about 25 minutes earlier, holding what they thought was a firearm. The witnesses said they thought the male went into a house in the 1100 block McTavish Street. The School Resource Officer advised that school staff to enact their Secure the Building protocol and police were dispatched to the area. Officers set up a safety perimeter and eventually spoke with the occupants of the house in question. It was determined that none of them matched the description given by the witnesses. Further investigation, including a review of available video, shows a male in the area holding an object, during that time frame, but the object does not appear to be a firearm. The Secure the Building protocol was lifted at approximately 2:30 p.m. and students were dismissed as usual.
The Regina Police Service thanks the school staff for their care of, and attention to, their students. Likewise, police are grateful for the patience and cooperation of area residents. No weapon was found; there are no arrests or charges in connection with this incident.
*“Secure the Building”: Is a situation where it is believed a threat is currently outside the building resulting in the decision to secure the school whereby all outside doors will be locked to secure the building. Each exterior door is to be monitored by designated school staff until Secure the Building mode has been lifted. Entry and exit of the building will be at the front doors only and are to be monitored by police and school administration. Regular interior school activities continue in a controlled manner.