Hold-and-secure at Brampton school after weapons call

One youth is in custody and a Brampton school is on hold-and-secure orders following reports of someone with a weapon.

Peel Regional Police say officers were called to a school in the area of Sandalwood Pkwy. and Great Lakes Dr. in Brampton shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Thursday (March 9).

Police say they were altered about someone with a weapon and the school was placed on a hold-and-secure order. Police declined to comment on which school was under hold-and-secure, however, Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School is near where the incident occurred.

One youth has been taken into custody and police said a weapon was found, but investigators have not released any details about the individual, the type of weapon, or whether any charges are pending.

The hold-and-secure comes days after threats of a gunman planning to shoot up half a dozen high schools in Brampton and Mississauga began circulating on social media.

Police say there will be a noticeable police presence at the targeted schools to reassure parents that the safety of students “is paramount.”

UPDATE: Police said the hold-and-secure order was lifted shortly before 12:30 p.m.

UPDATE 5:45 p.m.: Investigators have confirmed the weapon they seized was a replica firearm. Their investigation is ongoing.

WEAPONS DANGEROUS:
– Sandalwood Pkwy/Great Lakes Dr #Brampton
– Reports of a person with a weapon
– One youth in custody
– Educational facility in hold & secure
– Police presence in the area
– C/R at 10:37 a.m.
– 23-0078229

— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) March 9, 2023