Two youths were arrested by the Westlock RCMP and are potentially facing charges after conducting a drive-by shooting with a pellet gun at a northern Alberta secondary school last week.
On May 30, a notice was posted to the Pembina Hills School Division website stating that a student had been struck in the shoulder by a pellet gun fired by another student at R.F. Staples School in Westlock.
“Fortunately, the injured student suffered only minor injuries and did not require medical attention," the notice stated.
“The students responsible for the incident will be facing disciplinary measures and comprehensive support will be provided to all involved.”
On the afternoon of May 31, a release was sent out by the Westlock RCMP indicating that they received a call at 10:14 a.m. the previous day regarding students in a truck driving by R.F. Staples and shooting a pellet gun at two other students.
One student was struck on the shoulder, resulting in no significant injury. With assistance from the school, the offending students were identified, located and arrested.
The RCMP release indicated the two youths have since been released, and charges are currently pending Crown approval. A BB gun was also seized.
“The Westlock RCMP would like to reassure the public that there is no concern for public safety at this time,” the release says.
Pembina Hills director of student services Rob McGarva said that when an incident occurs, there are three separate things that go on.
The first step is to conduct a Violent Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) “to just make sure that everybody is safe, and if there is anything we can do to improve things,” he said.
The second thing is that the school administration dispenses any discipline they consider to be appropriate, he said.
Finally, they also reach out to the RCMP to conduct an investigation. This is in line with Administrative Procedure 50-09 (Student Code of Conduct), which states a principal shall report the names of students who are in possession of a weapon to the police.
This is also to ensure they aren’t missing anything in regards to student safety, McGarva said.
He noted this incident does not affect the normal operation of the school, including the planned convocation ceremonies on Friday night.
“It seemed to be an isolated incident,” he added.
