Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 8, 2024 7:09 am GMT
Edmonton Police Charge Two Students After Bear Spray Incident at Junior High School
Incident Overview at Kate Chegwin School
Edmonton police have charged two youths following an incident involving bear spray at Kate Chegwin School, a junior high school located in southeast Edmonton. The event unfolded on Thursday morning, just before 10:30 a.m., during a nutrition break at the school, which serves students in grades 7 to 9. A male student used bear spray against a group of his peers and subsequently fled the scene, finding refuge at a nearby residential home.
Details of the Incident
According to the spokesperson for the Edmonton Police Service, chaos ensued when the first student bear-sprayed multiple individuals inside the school, prompting immediate action from school staff and first responders. Following the initial attack, another student broke into the residence where the first student had escaped, using bear spray on the occupants of that home as well.
The swift response from school personnel ensured that affected students were moved outside to safety. First responders provided immediate first aid to those impacted by the bear spray. By approximately 11:45 a.m., the Edmonton Fire Rescue Services had assessed the air quality and deemed it safe for students and staff to re-enter the building. As a precaution, the school extended the lunch period outdoors for an additional half hour.
School Response and Follow-Up Actions
In light of this distressing event, a statement from Edmonton Public Schools highlighted their serious approach to such incidents, reassuring parents and guardians. “We take incidents like this seriously and the school is following up with the individuals involved,” the statement read. The school promptly communicated with parents, sending out an informational letter as soon as the details were confirmed and operations returned to normal.
Authorities charged the student responsible for using bear spray with multiple offenses, including assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon, and mischief. The second boy, involved in the home break-in, faces charges of breaking and entering, assault, possession of a weapon, and mischief. The ages of the students involved have not been disclosed.
Ongoing Investigations into Homicide Case in Edmonton
In a separate but equally serious matter, the Edmonton Police Service is also investigating a homicide that occurred earlier this week in a downtown parkade. At around 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, officers responded to a reported weapons complaint at a parkade near 101st Street and 102nd Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found a 22-year-old man who was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The victim has been identified as Jashandeep Maan, and an autopsy confirmed that he died due to “multiple sharp force injuries,” categorizing the incident as a homicide. In connection with this case, Edgar Wesker, 40, was taken into custody shortly after the incident and has been charged with second-degree murder.
Insights from Occupational Health and Safety Investigation
Alongside the police investigation, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is conducting a review related to a fatal workplace incident that allegedly resulted in Maan’s death. A spokesperson for OHS stated, “It is always tragic when a worker is hurt or dies on the job. Our government’s goal is to have all workers return home safely after every workday.”
The OHS is particularly focused on the incidents surrounding Maan’s death, which has raised concerns regarding workplace safety protocols in the region. Police have clarified that there was no prior relationship between the victim and the accused, indicating that this appears to be an isolated incident.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
Both incidents have raised alarms within the Edmonton community regarding safety in schools and public spaces. The use of bear spray in a school setting jeopardizes student well-being and safety, while the homicide in a downtown area draws attention to violence in public places. Local authorities are urging anyone with information related to these incidents to come forward and assist in ongoing investigations.
For those looking to contribute information regarding the homicide, they can contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or through their mobile service at #377. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at p3tips.com.
These events show how important it is to have safety rules and for everyone in the community to pay attention. We need to work together to stop violence and keep our students and community safe and happy.
