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Phone threat triggers shelter-in-place order at Fort Erie schools

Safety procedures were lifted a short time later, police say
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Niagara Regional Police Service file photo

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA POLICE SERVICE
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The Niagara Regional Police Service is investigating a telephone threat to a Fort Erie school.

On Jan. 24, 2023, at 2:56 p.m., the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Communications Unit was contacted by school staff from Garrison Road Public School in Fort Erie. The school had received a threat by telephone. The school implemented a shelter-in-place safety procedure out of an abundance of caution.

5 District uniform officers, detectives and officers from the NRPS Emergency Task Unit attended the scene on Garrison Road. As a result of the ongoing investigation, officers also requested that Stevensville Public School and Peace Bridge Public School implement safety procedures. The safety procedures at Stevensville Public School and Peace Bridge Public School were lifted a short time later, and the children were allowed to leave.

Officers’ safety cleared Garrison Road School. At 4:35 p.m., officers working with school staff and District School Board of Niagara senior management began procedures to release the children to their busses and parents/guardians.

The NRPS recognizes that this was a very stressful situation for the children, parents/guardians, and staff. We thank you for your patience and co-operation.

Garrison Road had been closed between Benner Avenue and Spears Road; it has since been reopened.

The investigation remains ongoing by 5 District Fort Erie detectives. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1022300.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

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