Winnipeg police investigated three separate incidents involving online threats directed at two city high schools between December 15 and 17, 2024. Oak Park High School and Elmwood High School were both targeted, with two bomb threats and a separate threatening social media post.
Bomb Threats Deemed Hoax
On Sunday, December 15, at approximately 10:30 p.m., both Oak Park High School and Elmwood High School received email threats indicating harm would come to the schools the following day. As a precaution, both schools were closed on Monday, December 16, while police investigated.
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) met with administration from the Pembina Trails School Division (Oak Park) and the Winnipeg School Division (Elmwood). A thorough search of both schools found no physical threats. The Major Crimes Unit, with assistance from other law enforcement agencies, determined the emails were a malicious hoax designed to cause public panic.
Extra police and school staff were present when Oak Park and Elmwood High School reopened on Tuesday, December 17. The investigation into the email threats is ongoing, and no arrests have been made.
Separate Social Media Threat Leads to Arrest
On Monday, December 16, at approximately 9:30 p.m., police responded to a separate incident involving a threatening social media post directed at Elmwood High School. The post threatened harm at the school on Tuesday, December 17.
Due to this separate threat, Elmwood High School remained closed on Tuesday while police investigated. A female youth suspect was identified and taken into custody. She was turned over to the Major Crimes Unit. No charges have been laid at this time.
Police have stated they do not believe there is any ongoing threat to safety at Elmwood High School related to the social media post.
Police Remind Public of Consequences
The Winnipeg Police Service reminds the public that making online, email, written, or verbal threats is a criminal offence and will be taken seriously.
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