UPDATE: CPS stated at 3:54 p.m. that CCVS was on lockdown following an alleged weapons threat.
At 10:30 a.m. CPS received notice of the threat and immediately took action, placing the school on lockdown to ensure everyone’s safety. The school was searched by officers and members of the Cornwall Emergency Response Team but no evidence was recovered to substantiate a threat.
“While today’s occurrence was not a drill, the events that transpired speak to the importance of everyone having an understanding of their roles during a school lockdown,” said Chief of Police Danny Aikman. “The cooperation of all students, staff members and parents during a school lockdown is crucial to the success and integrity of the operation.”
CPS understand that notification of a lockdown can be very concerning to parents and ensure that resources are dedicated to protecting those inside the school building.
Anyone with information on today’s incident is asked to contact Dt. Cst. Austin Clark by calling 613-933-5000 ext. 2727 or ext. 2404 to provide anonymous information.
CCVS lifted its lockdown at 1:53 p.m. Bus transportation followed its regular schedule. Officers remained on scene to assist students who had been dismissed from school for the day.
“The CPS would like to thank all students, staff members and parents/guardians for their cooperation as we conducted the investigation in the interest of the safety of everyone within the school,” read a CPS statement.
CPS stated at 12:40 p.m. that no one was injured during the lockdown and that the lockdown remained ongoing. Students and staff members were safely secured under the outlined provisions.
“Please continue to follow our social media pages and website for all updates pertaining to this investigation,” read a statement from Stephanie MacRae, CPS Communications Coordinator. “Please refrain from contacting our dispatch unless you have information pertaining to this investigation. We are continuing to ask parents and students to please not attend within the vicinity of the school to allow for police to conduct the investigation.”
CORNWALL, Ontario – CPS advised the public at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 22 that Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School (CCVS) was on lockdown.
Officers were at the school, located at 437 Sydney St., conducting an investigation.
Parents and students were requested not to attend the school and to avoid the area during the investigation process.
