Sudbury police lay criminal charge against youth in school threat

Sudbury police on recent threats at local schools Greater Sudbury police say have been three school threats in three weeks in Sudbury.

A Greater Sudbury youth has been criminally charged after a threatening message was found in the bathroom of a local high school.

On Monday, police were called when some students found a message warning of a school shooting at l'Ecole secondaire catholique l'Horizon in Val Caron.

"The message was written in a bathroom at the school. No other details were included in the brief message," Greater Sudbury Police Service said in a news release.

"As a result of the investigation, officers have identified the youth believed to be responsible for the message written in a bathroom."

The student was arrested and charged with uttering threats and mischief interrupting or interfering with lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property.

"Based on the investigation and in consultation with administration and the youth’s parent, the youth has been referred to a diversion program under the Youth Criminal Justice Act," police said.

"We would like to thank the students, staff and administration of l’École secondaire catholique l’Horizon and the mental health team from Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon for the cooperation throughout this matter."

Free mental health services for children and youth are available in Sudbury through an organization called Compass.

"Appointments are available in person, by phone or video conferencing," Compass said.

"Our new user-friendly platform allows youth and children to self-refer, while parents and caregivers can effortlessly make referrals – no doctor's approval needed."