Updated Sept. 15 at 1:50 p.m.
A 16-year-old from M'Chigeeng First Nation is facing multiple charges after an altercation at Manitoulin Secondary School on Sept. 14.
The Rainbow District School Board said the altercation occurred at dismissal Tuesday, and involved a conflict between students.
Officers with the Manitoulin OPP and the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Police Service (UCCM) responded to the altercation at 2:56 p.m.
Several students received non life-threatening injuries during this incident.
The accused has been charged with:
- assault causing bodily harm, contrary to section 267(b) of the Criminal Code (CC)
- assault with a weapon, contrary to section 267(a) of the CC
- possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, contrary to section 88 of the CC
The suspect was released on an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay in October. The youth cannot be identified under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).
The incident is under investigation by the Manitoulin OPP and UCCM police. They “wish to inform the community members that there are no public safety concerns.”
If anyone has any information or video in relation to this incident, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Original story:
A “serious incident” occurred Manitoulin Secondary School at dismissal Tuesday, the Rainbow District School Board reports.
School administration acted quickly to de-escalate a conflict between students, said the press release. The incident remains under active investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police in collaboration with the U.C.C.M. Anishinaabe Police Service.
We’ve reached out the OPP for more information on this incident.
The school board said Manitoulin Secondary School will be surrounded by a “strong circle of care” this morning.
“We are working with all of our partners on Manitoulin Island to support our students and staff and ensure their overall well-being,” said Director of Education Bruce Bourget, in the press release.
“When an incident occurs, it affects everyone and we come together as a school community to support each other.”
The Mnidoo Mnising Crisis Response Team will be on site joined by members of the Rainbow District School Board Mental Health Team, school board administrators and local First Nations representatives. Ontario Provincial Police and U.C.C.M. Anishinaabe Police will also be on site throughout the day to offer support.
“Our focus is on assisting with the investigation, supporting our staff and students, and working with our community partners to move forward with a focus on safety and continued collaboration,” said Bourget.
“On behalf of Rainbow District School Board, I would like to thank our community partners for working together with safety first and foremost."