OPP say Elliot Lake Secondary School went into lockdown yesterday after someone brought in a pellet gun, modified to look real.
The incident happened at 3 p.m.
"Pictures on social media were circulating of a person with a handgun at school," says Constable Phil Young.
A lockdown ensued and school protocol was followed. Police arrived to clear the school and ensure the safety of students and staff.
"After investigation, it was determined the handgun that a person had at school was a pellet gun. However, all identifiable features that showed it was a pellet gun were removed. So, the gun looked very real," explained Young.
"Pellet guns and toy guns have very identifiable features and markings on them for good reason - so they cannot be mistaken for a real gun. Removing these markings makes it very dangerous for responding officers if they cannot distinguish between a pellet gun and a real gun. All they see is gun and will respond appropriately", added Young of the East Algoma OPP.
"Thank you to all students, staff, and parents for their cooperation during this stressful time."
