A week of school lockdowns leaves Lethbridge-parents concerned

It’s been a stressful week for parents whose children attend schools in the Holy Spirit Catholic and Lethbridge school divisions, after several schools in south Lethbridge were placed in lockdown not once but twice. 

The latest concern came Friday morning, when speculation circulated on social media about a third possible threat. Although classes continued as usual, many parents reportedly kept their kids home from school today. Lethbridge Police Service increased its presence in the area as a precaution and confirmed there was no threat.

The Friday concern came a day after a disturbingly threatening message was shared by text and social media on Thursday, October 8, prompting lockdowns at LCI, Victoria Park and other nearby schools. Police say the investigation is ongoing, but there is currently no evidence of an imminent or ongoing risk to students or staff. These incidents followed an initial lockdown of on Tuesday, October 6, at St. Francis Junior High, Catholic Central High School, École St. Mary Elementary and LCI, after a report of a possible weapon near the schools.

Later that same day, police determined that a 16-year-old had a black, handgun-style water pistol and charged him with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Police remind parents and students that any threat will be treated seriously to the full extent of the law.