Shooting suspects at Etobicoke high school wore masks to conceal identity: police
Parents waited anxiously outside the school during the lockdown. “We were cooking for the Grade 8 open house, and then we heard a gunshot,” one student recounted. Another added, “It was really scary.”
Toronto police are investigating after gunfire evidence was discovered at Silverthorn Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke on Tuesday.
Officers responded to the school near Burnhamthorpe Road and Mill Road around 4 p.m. following a report of two masked individuals allegedly seen with a firearm.
The school was placed on lockdown until 6:45 p.m. as police thoroughly searched and cleared the premises. Approximately 120 people were inside the building at the time, including 60 students attending a basketball game and another 60 preparing for a Grade 8 open house event.
Parents waited anxiously outside the school during the lockdown. “We were cooking for the Grade 8 open house, and then we heard a gunshot,” one student recounted. Another added, “It was really scary.”
Duty Inspector Saleem Husain told reporters that police received information about two masked suspects allegedly inside the school with a gun, though no detailed descriptions were available. “As far as suspect information at this time, we don’t have any information to give out, as it’s early in the investigation,” Husain said.
In a letter to parents, school principal Mark Varvas confirmed that evidence of gunfire was found in a stairwell but noted that no injuries had been reported. “Out of an abundance of caution, there will be a police presence at the school tomorrow, and social work staff will be available to support students as needed,” Varvas wrote.
The investigation is ongoing.
