Thursday, September 19, 2024

Lockdown lifted at Oakwood Collegiate after gunshots in area

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A public high school returned to normal operations after it was locked down Friday due to reports of gunshots near the school, according to the school board and police.

Officers responded to reports of “gunshots heard in the area” of St. Clair Avenue W. and Oakwood Avenue, where Oakwood Collegiate Institute is located, around 12:19 p.m., the Toronto Police Service posted on X, formerly Twitter.

They found evidence of gunfire and a dark-coloured sedan was seen fleeing the area westbound on Rosemount Avenue, police said in the post. Rosemount runs along the south side of the school property.

No one has been reported injured, police said.

“We haven’t confirmed the exact location of the shooting whether it was on or off school property but it appears to be outside,” media relations officer Viktor Sarudi said in an email.

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) said in a letter to parents that the lockdown was converted to a “hold and secure” at 1:30 p.m., and students resumed classes as usual around 2 p.m.

“As you know, the safety of our students and staff is a top priority at Oakwood CI. We will continue to take every precaution to ensure our school remains a learning environment that is safe, nurturing, positive and respectful,” the letter said.

This incident comes four days after a 16-year-old boy was shot in a Scarborough high school parking lot, which prompted lockdowns at six nearby schools in the moments that followed.

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