A 15-year-old from Bridgewater is facing serious criminal charges after police say they disrupted an alleged plan to carry out a violent attack at Park View Education Centre.
Bridgewater Police Service says the investigation began earlier this month after INTERPOL and the FBI flagged concerning online conversations involving the Bridgewater teen and another youth in Manitoba.
Police allege the two had been communicating since late February about the possibility of coordinated attacks at their local schools.
While investigators say the threat was not believed to be imminent, police determined the conversations showed signs of planning and intent, prompting further investigation.
On March 17, officers with Bridgewater Police Service arrested the youth and executed a search warrant at a residence in the community.
Police say the search uncovered handwritten plans, imitation weapons, a crudely constructed imitation pipe bomb, an imitation assault-style rifle, electronic devices, and clothing displaying hate symbols along with other concerning material.
Bridgewater Police Deputy Chief Danny MacPhee said investigators also located several imitation weapons during the search, including replica knives and guns.
“Our investigators located some replica or imitation weapons — imitation knives, imitation guns, and a crudely made imitation pipe bomb and an assault rifle,” MacPhee said, noting the pipe bomb replica was particularly concerning based on its appearance.
MacPhee said the investigation moved quickly once police were alerted to the situation.
“We only got the notification on the tip Friday evening,” he said. “For us to be able to identify who was sending the messages, obtain a warrant, and execute a safe arrest plan that quickly is an uncommon response.”
Police also seized multiple electronic devices that will now be analyzed as the investigation continues.
“This investigation is really just starting,” MacPhee said, adding officers will now examine the devices to determine possible motives, intent, and whether anyone else may have been involved.
MacPhee said based on the information police currently have, investigators believe there is no ongoing risk to the community.
“From what we have at this stage of the investigation, no other person locally or provincially was involved, and we know of no current risk to the community,” he said.
The youth appeared in Bridgewater Youth Court on March 18 and remains in custody. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the accused cannot be identified.
In a message to families, Park View Education Centre principal Vicki Crozier acknowledged the incident has raised concerns among students and parents.
“Our focus, as always, is on the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” Crozier said.
Crozier said the arrest has left some students feeling uneasy and the school will be making additional supports available when classes resume after March Break.
In addition to school staff and counsellors, specialized staff from the South Shore Regional Centre for Education will be at the school to support any students who may need help.
The school’s safety resource officer will also be present when students return.
Families with questions are encouraged to contact the school or the South Shore Regional Centre for Education.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges, including possible hate-related offences, are still being considered.
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