North Bay police have male high school student in custody, replica firearm seized

Officers with the North Bay Police Service converged on a local high school after it went into lockdown over a weapons complaint involving a student on Thursday afternoon.

There were tense moments at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Catholic Secondary School on O'Brien Street after reports of a male student having a firearm on campus.

"At approximately 12:55 p.m. Oct. 27, St. Joseph-Scollard Hall was put into a lockdown meaning there was a major incident or threat of school violence within the school, or in relation to the school," the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board said.

"In light of this information, staff acted quickly to ensure a lockdown was put in place. This means that staff directed students to the closest secured area, remained with the students, and locked all doors in the area of the school to keep everyone safe indoors."  

"The school was immediately put into lockdown and members of the North Bay Police Service Emergency Response Team and patrol section responded," police said.

"The individual was identified through witnesses and video surveillance."

In a tweet shortly after 1 p.m., North bay police advised the public of an increased police presence and asked people to avoid the area.

Less than 20 minutes later, North Bay police spokesperson David Woolley said in an email, officers had a person in custody and have recovered a weapon.

"At approximately 1:20 p.m., the North Bay Police Service advised that the situation had been resolved however the school remained in a hold and secure while police completed their investigation. At approximately 2:10 p.m., the hold and secure was lifted and normal routines resumed," the school board said.

"The safety, security and well-being of our students and staff are our main priority. As such, our student support services team will continue to be available to support our students and staff."

Police have confirmed a male student was taken safely into custody and a replica firearm was recovered at the scene.  

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"No injuries were reported," Woolley said.

"The investigation is continuing. Additional information will be released when we are able."

No word on charges.