17-year-old former student charged with attempted murder after Lester B. Pearson lockdown

A Calgary teen is facing an attempted murder charge after allegedly attacking a student at Lester B. Pearson high school in the city's northeast.

A 17-year-old former Lester B. Pearson student is charged with attempted murder after an incident that caused the high school in northeast Calgary to be locked down.

Police officers moved in on the high school just after noon Thursday.

“It was reported a youth armed with a knife was smashing property, threatening students and staff and had attempted to stab a student,” police said in a release issued Friday.

“The school was placed on lockdown as multiple calls continued to come in reporting the suspect’s movements within the school.”

According to police, once inside, it was “within minutes” that a suspect was located and taken into custody.

One student sustained minor injuries, police said, and transportation to hospital was not necessary.

Friday, police announced a 17-year-old male has been charged with attempted murder, uttering threats and mischief to property under $5,000.

The accused, who cannot be named due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is scheduled to appear in court June 22.

He’s formerly a student at Lester B. Pearson, police said.

Police said they “believe the attack was premeditated.”

‘May well have saved lives’

While locating a suspect and taking them into custody happened relatively quickly, the lockdown lasted a while longer.

Just after 2 p.m., police provided an update saying the lockdown had been lifted.

Friday, police said this was “to ensure the safety of students and staff as (officers) assessed each room and area of the school.”

“Incidents like this highlight just how important lockdown drills are,” said Staff Sgt. Mike Sushelnitsky.

“The preparedness of students and staff may well have saved lives.”

‘Limited students’ in building

The Calgary Board of Education provided CTV News with the message it shared with the school community Thursday afternoon:

“Around 12:20 p.m., the school was placed into lockdown due to an incident where an individual was threatening two students,” the message read.

“Calgary Police Service was contacted for assistance. All students were kept in classrooms while the situation was resolved after about 10 minutes. “We are now working with those directly involved in the incident and their families.”

The message assured the school community, “All students are safe.”

“There were limited students in the building due to today’s biology exam,” it said.

“All potential threats are taken seriously and fully investigated.

“Each situation that arises requires an appropriate level of response to ensure the safety and security of students and staff.

“Should there be evidence that would require the school to initiate other critical incident protocols or procedures, we would act quickly to enact those processes.”

Victim supports available

Friday’s release from police said victim support services have been made available.

Lester B. Pearson High School is located in the 3000 block of 52 Street N.E. in the Pineridge community.