Hamilton Police are warning students there are serious consequences after several Hamilton schools received online threats this week.

On Wednesday, October 9, 2019, shortly after 7:00 a.m., the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board notified Police of a threat they received to one of their secondary schools. The threat was received overnight on a social media chat group and passed onto the school board. Hamilton Police commenced an investigation and arrested the suspect prior to the start of the school day.

A 15-year-old male youth from Hamilton has been charged with uttering threats and released on a Promise to Appear, with a court date of November 15, 2019.

On Sunday, October 6, 2019, shortly after 10:00 p.m., the HWCDSB received a post on their twitter forum from a suspect who threatened an unspecified school. Hamilton Police initiated an investigation and with the assistance of the Technical Crime Unit, identified the author of the post.

A 16-year-old, Ancaster, male youth was arrested and charged on Monday evening. He was subsequently released on a Promise to Appear and is scheduled for court on Friday, November 8, 2019.

Hamilton Police take these threats extremely seriously and investigate each threat to ensure schools remain safe places for students and staff. The consequences for making a threat may lead to arrest and criminal charges, as well as suspension or expulsion from school. We ask families to talk with their children about the seriousness of making violent threats.

If your child is aware of a threat, contact police or inform your school principal immediately.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com