FERGUS – A local teenager has been charged with assault with a weapon following a “hold and secure” incident at Centre Wellington District High School (CWDHS) on Nov. 11.
In a message to parents on last Friday, the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) stated the school went into a hold and secure situation – meaning school continues as usual, but exterior doors are locked – at around 2:25pm.
The decision was made “in response to an altercation near CWDHS involving an individual who is not a CWDHS student,” the UGDSB message stated.
“There are reports that this individual was carrying a weapon.”
School board officials say police responded immediately and “school administrators confirmed that students were inside the school and accounted for during the hold and secure.”
“Police notified the school to lift the hold and secure at approximately 2:50pm, after … they had apprehended the individual who was reported to have a weapon near the school property,” states the UGDSB message.
Students were dismissed at the regular time and buses departed on schedule, officials added.
Four days later, on Nov. 15, police announced a 16-year-old Fergus resident was charged with two counts of assault with a weapon and failing to comply with a sentence order.
The teen was held for a bail hearing.
“The incident is considered isolated, and no persons were physically injured,” police stated in a press release.
Police would not provide details about the weapon, despite Advertiser requests for more information.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.csgw.tips. Tip providers may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.
