Charges laid against two teens after Mayfield is locked down

Caledon OPP is continuing its investigation after Mayfield Secondary School had to be locked down Monday.

Police were called to the school, at Bramalea and Mayfield Roads, in response to a report of a possible weapon having been brought to the school. They locked down the facility just before 1 p.m., while a team of OPP officers from many specialized units conducted a thorough search of the building and the occupants. Officers from OPP Tactical Response Unit, OPP Emergency Response Team, OPP Provincial Emergency Response Team as well as five OPP Canine Units supported Caledon Crime unit detectives and Caledon officers.

The students were released from the school in small groups between 2:30 and 6:15 p.m. to waiting buses and parents.

Officers remained on scene and continued a search of the empty building into the night.

Nothing further was located at the school and it was deemed to be safe.

Police report two students are facing charges.

A 14-year-old Caledon boy was charged with careless storage of ammunition, trafficking in firearm, possession of ammunition for a purpose and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. A 15-year-old male, from Caledon, was charged with trafficking in firearm and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

Principal Bill Matthews issued a letter to the families of Mayfield students the following day, assuring them, "the lockdown was a precautionary measure, and all students and staff were safe at all times."

He also reported police were on the scene until about 11:30 p.m.

"It is important to emphasize that our staff and students were not in any danger or harmed in any way," Matthews stated. "I also want to say how proud I am of the way our students and staff handled themselves in this situation. OPP officers commented on the courteous, respectful conduct of our students."

"I want to assure you that Mayfield continues to be a safe, secure learning environment for your child," he added. "There is no increased safety concern in our community and our school routines will remain the same."