A Lethbridge teen has been charged with weapons-related offences.
On Tuesday, Oct. 6, the LPS responded to a report of a group of males along the 300 block of 18 Street South, one of whom reportedly appeared to be carrying a handgun in his waistband. As a precautionary measure, lockdowns were implemented at nearby schools, including St. Francis Junior High, Ecole St. Mary Elementary, Catholic Central High School, and Lethbridge Collegiate Institute.
After gathering information from witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage, officers identified the group and found six teens, who were all taken into custody without incident.
The LPS said its investigation found that a 16-year-old boy was in possession of a black, handgun-style water pistol. Officers searched the students’ lockers and said no more weapons were found.
The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with one count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Police said the teen was released from custody and is set to be in court on Dec. 9, 2026.
FAKE WEAPONS
The LPS is reminding youth and parents that imitation firearms, airsoft guns, water guns, and other realistic-looking weapons should never be brought to school or displayed publicly in a manner that could cause panic.
Officials added that imitation and replica weapons can be “virtually indistinguishable” from real weapons, especially from a distance or in a rapidly evolving situation.
Reports that involve weapons are also treated as real until proven otherwise, with LPS saying these incidents result in a significant police response and potentially place everyone at risk.
Students are reminded to make safe choices and report concerns about weapons immediately.
