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final suspect turns himself in

Update: Third arrest made in Eastview Middle School incident

Jun 12, 2019 | 9:40 AM

Following an investigation into a threat Tuesday at Eastview Middle School, Red Deer RCMP have now laid charges against three youth.

On June 11, two of three suspects were apprehended by the RCMP and a third suspect was not immediately located.  Police says the third youth later co-operated with RCMP by turning himself in Wednesday evening.

All three youths, aged 15, 16, 17, are facing charges of possession of a weapon and carrying a concealed weapon under the criminal code, as well as disturb or interrupt proceedings of a school under the School Act.  They are scheduled to appear in youth court on June 27 in Red Deer.

City Mounties previously said a replica firearm was recovered following Tuesday’s incident that led to a lockdown at Eastview Middle School.

Red Deer RCMP responded to the school at 3:22 p.m. after three male youth entered with a possible firearm. Eastview Middle School, along with surrounding schools, was put into lockdown as a result.

There were no injuries.

RELATED – Weapon reported in incident at Eastview Middle School: RCMP

RCMP cleared the building and the suspects fled. A replica firearm was later located.

The lockdown at Eastview Middle School ended shortly before 5:30 p.m. after each of the approximately 600 students had been let out of the building through a controlled release.

In a letter to parents Thursday morning, principal Kevin Robertson said they are confident the school is safe and that the situation is under control.

“Our school and the RCMP are aware of the social media commentary regarding the incident and the concerns they raise. They are being monitored and addressed as needed,” Robertson said.

“We also urge caution in that these messages are not necessarily an accurate source of information of what is taking place and that you rely on information provided by the school and police. In the event anyone has credible information on any of the circumstances surrounding the situation, it is incumbent on you share this information with the RCMP and/or school administration.”

Robertson told parents that the school has dealt with the Eastview students involved in Tuesday’s incident as well as related activities.

“We have all been impacted by this,” he acknowledged. “As difficult as these situations are, they provide opportunities for important conversations for you and your families regarding conflict, social media messaging and looking out for each other’s safety.”

Robertson concluded by telling parents, “We want to stress that the safety and security of our students is of the upmost importance. Regrettably, circumstances outside of school come into play and we do our very best to respond appropriately along with the support of community resources to ensure were doing the very best we can.”