Hamilton police have been investigating several threats against schools in the area in recent days.
According to investigators, the threats involve “written messages at bathroom stops.”
Police disclosed few details, but the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) said in a letter to parents that in one incident, the threat was “related to a shooting.”
The school board has sent three letters to parents. At one of Westdale’s high schools near Main Street and Longwood Road South, officials said there will be a police presence on June 3.
“HWDSB is also investigating this incident further as part of our policy of student behavior and discipline and will take appropriate action,” the letter said.
In another letter sent to parents of children at Bennetto Elementary School near John and Burlington Streets, school board officials say a gun was confiscated from a student.
“A student brought a shotgun to our school, which is strictly forbidden,” the letter says.
“The item was not used. The students were not in danger. The staff addressed the situation immediately and followed school safety protocols. Police attended our school to support.”
Police say they are working with school boards to identify those responsible for the threats and file the corresponding criminal charges. Anyone with information is asked to contact the researchers at 905-546-4925.
The threats come days after two teenagers were shot with shotguns at Toronto high schools within hours of each other.
Three people have been charged in the incident.
About a week ago, a man carrying a BB pistol near a Scarborough school was killed by police after a confrontation.