Hamilton Police have charged a young person after a misleading and potentially dangerous situation unfolded at Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary High School.

On Friday March 21, 2025, police were called to the school for a report of a person with a firearm. Information at the time stated that a student had pointed a gun towards another student and that the suspect may still be inside the school. As a result, the high school was placed into a hold and secure while Police cleared each room. Once it was completed and officers had confirmed that there was no further threat to safety, the hold and secure was lifted, but the search for the suspect was still ongoing.

A short time later, the suspect was placed under arrest and the investigation began to reveal that no firearm was ever observed. As such, the suspect was released.

Investigators soon discovered that the initial reporter had actually attacked a student with a can of bear spray and then concocted a story about the gun to displace any wrongdoing towards himself.

On Wednesday March 26, 2025, Police placed the youth under arrest for the following charges:

• Assault with a weapon
• Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
• Possession of a prohibited weapon
• Administering noxious thing with intent to cause bodily harm
• Public Mischief – intent to cause other person to be suspect

Hamilton Police would like to thank all students, parents, and school staff for their patience during the initial investigation.

If you have any information that you believe will assist Police with this occurrence, please contact the on-duty Division 3 Staff Sergeant at 905-546-3886. Additionally, if you wish to provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com