Members of the Prince Edward County Crime Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a young person following an investigation regarding threats made to Prince Edward Collegiate Institute in Picton.

Some time last week, OPP received reports of a threat directed toward a local Picton school. OPP began an investigation and confirmed there was no immediate risk to public safety.

On Tuesday afternoon, Prince Edward OPP announced a young person had been arrested and charged with uttering threats.

The young person was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Picton at a later date.

The OPP is reminding parents to discuss the use of social media with their children and talk about the importance of acceptable use.

In a follow up email to parents sent Wednesday morning, PECI principal Andrew Ross assured parents the safety of students and staff at the Kindergarten to Grade 12 school was of upmost importance.

Ross added he is continuing to work with the OPP, the school remains open and that police have told him that PECI continues to be safe.

“Support for students is available for anyone who requests it.  Please let your child know that assistance will be available for students who would like to connect with our school social worker, or child and youth worker.  They can ask for assistance through their classroom teacher, or the office,” Ross said. “If you have questions, please contact the school to speak with a member of the school administration team.”

-Staff