A 37-year-old Chatham man has been arrested following a recent bogus shooting threat at Ursuline College Chatham (UCC).
Chatham-Kent police charged the unidentified man with three counts of failing to comply with a court-ordered ban regarding children, which prohibited him from being on school property; two counts of failing to comply with a ban from using the internet or social media; and three counts of failing to comply with a ban from using electronic devices and restricting contact and communication with persons under the age of 16.
Police said the charges are not related to a school shooting threat against UCC.
Police noted the suspect was protesting near UCC on October 20 and officers reviewed concerns about the man's interactions with students, but at the time didn't identify a credible threat to the school.
"The evidence available at that time did not establish grounds for the charges that were later laid," said police.
Police said information related to the incident continued to circulate through social media posts, videos, screenshots, and group chats in the days that followed, and rumours began to fly about a possible school shooting as the information spread through the school.
"Officers attended the school, spoke with administration, students, and other involved parties, and reviewed the information being circulated. The investigation determined there was no immediate threat to the school and no individual posing a danger on school property. Police did not identify a credible threat against Ursuline College Chatham," police noted.
Chatham-Kent police said it fully recognizes the concern the incident caused for students, parents, staff, and the community and thanked the public for reporting information to police.
They also encourage community members to rely on official sources for accurate and verified information.
"The safety of students and staff remains our highest priority. Police will continue to work closely with school officials to ensure a safe learning environment," police added.
