A male youth, whose prank call led to a shutdown and heavy police turnout at Harmony Heights Public School, was a student of a different school, police said yesterday.
The 14-year old is facing several charges after making threats toward students and staff at the school in Oshawa (see below).
On Thursday, February 5 at about 1:55 pm, members of Central East Division responded to a threatening call at Harmony Heights PS located at 590 Galahad Drive. A male youth contacted the school via phone and made threats toward the students and staff.
The school was put into a hold and secure as officers arrived on scene. They evacuated the school while searching the building for any threats. Once the school was cleared, police and staff supported a staggered release of the students as per hold and secure protocol.
Investigation revealed the threat was made by a student at a different school. The youth was taken into custody without incident, police said.
A 14-year-old male from Oshawa is charged with: Uttering Threats, Mischief, Common Nuisance, Public Mischief, Convey False Information, and Criminal Harassment.
He was released on an undertaking.
Very Real Consequences
Police said while the call was false, the consequences were very real.
“A threat of this nature triggers an immediate, large-scale police response. Dozens of officers, specialized units, emergency partners, and critical resources are deployed without hesitation.
“Beyond the financial impact, these incidents divert officers from genuine emergencies—situations where someone truly needs help. They create unnecessary fear in our schools, anxiety for students and staff, and distress for parents who trust that their children are safe,” DRPS pointed out.
“We are asking all parents and guardians to speak with their children—no matter their age—about the seriousness of making false threats. These calls have lasting consequences, including potential criminal charges, school discipline, and long-term impacts on a young person’s future,” it added.
Police said officers will always respond to ensure the safety of our schools. “But we need the community’s help to prevent these incidents before they occur.”
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Dellipizzi of the Central East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2766.
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