A “serious incident” occurred at a school in north Queensland, Australia, on Thursday, July 25th. A student was arrested and a toy gun was seized by authorities.
The incident began around noon on Canterbury Road, Townsville, when authorities at Ryan Catholic College were alerted to two suspicious individuals near the school grounds. One of them, a boy, was reportedly carrying a toy gun called a “gel blaster,” according to the Townsville Bulletin.
The initial report to police indicated that the boy had allegedly attacked another boy before fleeing. The victim sustained minor injuries.
Upon receiving the report, authorities immediately placed the school on lockdown. Ryan Catholic College, which has an enrollment of around 1,800 students, ensured that all students remained in their classrooms for the duration of the incident.
Police quickly located the teenage boy who allegedly perpetrated the attack. During the search, the school administration issued a statement characterizing the situation as “serious” and explained the need for the lockdown. The statement commended the staff for their swift and calm response, ensuring the safety of all students. Parents were reassured that police were already on-site and that they would be notified as soon as the lockdown was lifted.
After an hour, the lockdown was lifted, and students were allowed to move freely once the suspect was in custody. Police confirmed that the school was no longer under threat and that no one else was injured during the incident.
The incident highlights the importance of swift action and clear communication in maintaining student safety during potential threats. The school’s response and cooperation with law enforcement ensured that the situation was handled efficiently and without further incident.
