Gatineau Police intervene with a parent at D'Arcy McGee High School, “Lock-in” procedures enacted

Sophie Demers

On January 16, at about 12:30 pm, Gatineau Police arrived at the Symmes Junior and D'Arcy McGee High School after receiving a call from the school principal. According to the Gatineau Police, a parent came to the school to pick up his son who was recently suspended.

When the parent refused to leave the premises, the police intervened in the situation. The police say the man was uncooperative and then physically attacked an officer. The man was accompanied by two young women and his son who the police claim also participated in physically attacking the police.

Reinforcements were called to the scene and the four individuals involved were restrained, handcuffed, and arrested. The parent and the two other adults were charged with obstruction and assault. The adolescent son involved will have a case submitted to a prosecutor in the Youth Chamber who will assess the case and decide whether charges will be laid against him.

Paramedics were on the scene, but the injuries were minor. None of the individuals involved needed to be transported to the hospital.

The school enacted a “lock-in” meaning students were instructed to stay in their classroom. However, the school states that there was no threat to student safety. “We are proud of how quickly our students and staff responded during this brief event,” said Principal, Tara Laine, in an email sent out to parents.

“The administrative team and school staff with the support of local authorities acted with an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of our students,” said Mike Dubeau, Director general for the Western Quebec School Board.