Loaded handgun seized at Nepean-area school, 13-year-old facing charges

The Ottawa Police Service Guns and Gangs investigators have charged a 13-year-old with various weapon-related offences after a gun was seized at Frank Ryan Catholic Intermediate School in the Nepean area.

Officers were called to the school at about 4 p.m. Thursday, after reports that someone was showing off a handgun.

Police say no threats were made to anyone in this case. 

Officers arrived and seized the loaded handgun and arrested a 13-year-old boy. 

The principal at Frank Ryan sent the following message to parents of its students, Friday:

“We are very proud of our students who reported after school hours on Thursday May 23rd that they saw a fellow student who was in possession of a firearm. School administration quickly investigated and found the firearm in the student's school bag. We contacted the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) and the situation was dealt with immediately. The police have ascertained there was no danger posed by the student involved in the incident. The investigation continues. 

We cannot share further details due to privacy concerns. In general, however, when there are safety concerns, the student involved is removed from the school. We will continue to cooperate with the police and work very closely with the student and the family to make sure that the student gets the support needed. Wellness supports are available at the school for all students and staff if required.

Our school continues to be a safe place, despite this isolated serious incident, and I am very proud of how we work together – students, parents, staff, and partners including the OPS.  If you have any concerns, please call me at the school.”

The OPS continues to investigate the matter.