TORONTO — Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts was placed under lockdown late Tuesday morning after police received reports of a person with a gun in the surrounding area. The incident unfolded near Pharmacy Avenue and Lawrence Avenue East, prompting a heavy police response and heightened concern among parents and students.
Toronto Police said calls came in at 11:57 a.m. about a firearm being spotted at or near the school grounds. Officers from 41 Division rushed to the scene, and administrators immediately ordered a lockdown as a precautionary measure. During that time, students and staff were instructed to stay in their classrooms or secured areas while police searched the premises.
Authorities quickly confirmed that no injuries had been reported. The lockdown was enforced to ensure everyone’s safety while officers carried out a detailed sweep of both the school building and the surrounding neighborhood. Additional police resources were deployed to the area as investigators worked to verify the credibility of the firearm report.
In an official social media update, Toronto Police wrote: “PERSON WITH A GUN: Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts… School is currently in lockdown. Police on scene. No injuries reported. Ongoing investigation.” The announcement immediately drew attention from concerned families across the city, many of whom sought information about their children’s safety.
Parents and guardians were strongly urged not to come to the school during the lockdown. Authorities stressed that crowding the area could interfere with the police operation and delay efforts to secure the scene. Instead, families were asked to remain patient and await further guidance from both police and school officials before attempting to reunite with students.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the investigation remained ongoing. Police had not released details about a suspect or confirmed whether a firearm was recovered. Officers were reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together the sequence of events. Officials said additional updates would be provided as more information becomes available. While the lockdown left the community shaken, police emphasized that the swift actions of both law enforcement and school staff helped protect students during a potentially dangerous situation.