UPDATED: Three youths arrested for weapons-related call: charges now available

March 9, 2023
Whitehorse, Yukon

News release

UPDATE:

Whitehorse RCMP can now share the charges for two of the three youths arrested on March 9, 2023, related to a weapons call at F.H. Collins Secondary School.

One youth has been charged with nine counts, including four counts of possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, one count of unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, one count of pointing a firearm, and one count of resisting or obstructing a police officer.

The second youth has been charged with four counts, including possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose and two counts of failure to comply with conditions.

Information cannot be released at this time related to charges for the third youth.

During searches incidental to arrest, police located and seized a BB gun made to resemble a handgun, a canister of bear spray, brass knuckles, and a conducted energy weapon, generally known by the brand name TASER.

"Calls related to safety concerns at our schools are one of our highest priorities," says Sgt. Dustin Grant, Whitehorse RCMP acting Detachment Commander. "We appreciated cooperation from school staff and the public in helping us locate the individuals involved in this call, which lead to a safe resolution for the school, the suspects, bystanders in the area, and police."

Police cannot provide the identity of the people involved under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. All three of the youth suspects have been released, two with court-ordered conditions and one with police-ordered conditions.

Anyone with information about this file is encouraged to reach out to Whitehorse RCMP at 867-667-5555. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers via phone at 867-667-6715 or online at www.crimestoppersyukon.ca.

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Three youths were arrested in Whitehorse, YT, related to allegations of threats and possession of weapons at a high school in Whitehorse. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the youths who were arrested cannot be identified.

On Thursday, March 9, 2023, Whitehorse RCMP received a call at approximately 1:20 pm that administration of FH Collins Secondary School had put the school into lockdown. They told police that people who were not registered students were in a school building with weapons. As police were en route, it was reported that the suspects were seen leaving school grounds on foot. The descriptions and direction the suspects were travelling were provided to police.

Police immediately attended the school and the surrounding area and located the group in the Riverdale neighbourhood. Three youths were arrested without incident. A replica firearm and other weapons were seized from the youths who were involved.

Police on scene worked with school administration to clear the lockdown status. There were no injuries reported by any students or staff at the school related to this incident.

As this is an active investigation and involves youth, police will not be providing further details regarding this investigation.

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Contact information

Cst. C. McCann
Whitehorse RCMP
4100 4th Avenue, Whitehorse, YT

File number: 2023-314770

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