A Red Deer student has been charged after allegedly threatening to commit a shooting at a local high school.

Last week officials with the Red Deer Public School District were advised by RCMP of a posting on social media of a potential threat to their schools.

On April 4th, the Red Deer City RCMP was advised by Calgary City Police of threats made by an individual on facebook of his desire to commit a shooting at a local Red Deer high school. Calgary City Police and the RCMP took this matter very seriously. The individual responsible who was known to police was located and arrested.

As a result of the investigation the male whose name cannot be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act has been charged with uttering threats, breach of probation and possession of a controlled substance.

The youth has been remanded in custody and the investigation is continuing.

In responding throughout this incident, the safety and wellbeing of all those in the schools guided officials’ responses and actions, said Piet Langstraat, superintendent for Red Deer Public Schools.

“Throughout this period we have worked with, and will continue to work very closely with the RCMP in taking the most appropriate actions. We want to acknowledge and thank the police for their outstanding work and response to this incident,” he said. “We can share with you that while the threat was taken very seriously, it is the opinion of the RCMP that there was no imminent danger. Regardless, threats are a very serious matter and dealt with accordingly.”

He added the individual involved remains in custody and the Red Deer Public School District will work closely with authorities in monitoring and responding to this situation.

“Please be assured that the safety and security of our students and staff will always be our primary concern and priority in all that we do. We want to assure you that while this was a significant threat, we are confident that our schools are safe places.”

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com