Bomb threat prompts lockdown at Windsor’s Vincent Massey high school

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Parents of Vincent Massey Secondary School students are expressing concern after threats prompted police to conduct a thorough search of the building twice in recent months. 

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Students returned to class Friday afternoon after police responded to a reported bomb threat at the south Windsor school shortly after 11 a.m.

A spokesperson for the Windsor Police Service told the Star that the school went into “hold and secure” mode after a bomb threat was discovered written in pencil on a bathroom stall. 

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“We had our bomb expert there and one of our canines trained specifically for locating bombs,” said Const. Andie Suthers. “They (officers) cleared the school and nothing was located.”

This is the second incident in recent months to prompt a hold-and-secure at the school. In September, Windsor police were called to Vincent Massey after reports of a person wearing a ski mask entering the building with a firearm.

On social media posts, commenters sought out more information but also expressed frustration with the perceived frequency of these types of threats.

Speaking to the Star on Friday, Mohsin Naqvi, the father of a Grade 9 student, said it is scary to know that the school has been under “lockdown” twice in four months.

“It’s very alarming for parents,” Naqvi said. “I’ve had a lot calls from parents and they’re all worried about their kids and not knowing about what is going on.

“There has to be a reason why Massey is being targeted with threats.”

In an emailed statement around 3 p.m. Friday, a spokesperson for the Greater Essex County District School Board said they were made aware of “a concerning message discovered this morning in the restroom at Vincent Massey.”

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“Immediately, the Windsor police were engaged to conduct a comprehensive investigation which is ongoing,” the school board said. “Though the police have currently assessed this situation as non-threatening, we are maintaining police presence on school premises to ensure the safety of both students and staff.”

Earlier this year, LaSalle police responded to Sandwich Secondary School after a message, which read, “school shooting October 18,” was found in a bathroom on Oct. 16, prompting an immediate investigation in collaboration with school officials.

A day later, police announced they had identified a youth believed responsible for the message. Because the suspect is a minor, the Youth Criminal Justice Act applies and further details regarding the investigation were not released to protect the identity of the individual.

“Our voice needs to be raised,” Naqvi said. “It’s a concern for the community.”

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