At about 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, Brandon Police Service officers were called to Neelin High School following an emergency involving two male youths. Officers arrived within minutes and by 1:22 p.m., a 16-year-old male suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
The 15-year-old victim sustained injuries to his chest, arms, and thighs. He was given immediate medical attention and transferred to Brandon Regional Hospital. His condition is now stable. His parents were quickly notified, and care supports are being provided to him and his family.
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Swift response limits danger
Neelin High School was placed under immediate lockdown. The lockdown was lifted once the suspect was apprehended, as there was no ongoing threat to students, staff, or the community.
Brandon Police Chief Tyler Bates notes, "Thanks to the swift, knowledgeable and well-trained response of school staff, critical safety procedures were activated without delay." He adds, "The actions taken were not by chance on this date, but the result of preparation, care and a commitment to student safety."
Students were dismissed early and the school administration communicated with families.
Charges and investigation underway
The suspect faces serious charges including attempted murder, uttering threats, possession of a weapon dangerous for a dangerous purpose, and disguise with intent.
Chief Bates continues, "This incident remains under active investigation and the suspect is now facing serious charges including attempted murder, uttering threats, possession of a weapon dangerous for a dangerous purpose, and disguise with intent."
He explains that disguise with intent involves concealing identity through face coverings or covering tattoos or identifying scars.
Police praise bravery during incident
Chief Bates remarks on the courage of responding officers: "In the face of mortal danger, our Brandon Police Service officers demonstrated exceptional bravery ... bravery, professionalism and restraint." He adds, "They ran towards the threat, risking their own safety with both composure and care. They deployed a Conducted Energy Weapon in the face of this mortal threat to subdue safely the suspect in question."
He notes, "These officers' actions were nothing short of courageous and averted what could have been a far more tragic outcome."
Questions remain about weapon access
The investigation continues into how the student was able to bring a sword into the school.
Chief Bates notes, "I will say that we had very early notification from a student with respect to its presence in the schools." He adds, "There's not a lot of time that went by from the time that this particular weapon was identified to, to the police being notified, right."
He continues, "When you're talking about a 1:15 pm phone call. That somebody has a sword and he's going crazy in the school and a 1:18 PM response. There wasn't a lot of time for the offender in this particular case to act out on his intentions."
Community support and ongoing updates
Chief Bates asks for public patience as the investigation proceeds: "As we work through this investigation, we'll ask for the public's patience and understanding as more details come to light."
He adds, "The motive behind the act remains under investigation and witness interviews are ongoing."
The suspect had a remand hearing scheduled for Wednesday morning.
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