M’CHIGEENG—A lot of things get tossed around in the heat of an online gaming session, but when threats were issued by another gamer related to the safety of a school halfway around the world in Gdansk, Poland, Manitoulin Secondary School student brought his concerns to his own school administration, setting in motion an international investigation.
The OPP reports that on Friday, May 11, during an online gaming chat, a student from a Manitoulin Secondary School reported concerns to his school administration of comments that had been made by another gamer. The gamer had made threats related to the safety of a school in Gdansk, Poland.
The news release goes on to say that information was reported by the school to the Manitoulin-Espanola Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment where an investigation was initiated.
Members of the Sudbury OPP Crime Unit worked with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to alert Polish authorities of the threats. The Polish police went on to investigate the incident.
Detective Inspector Todd Proulx, manager of Criminal Operations in North East Region said, “I am pleased that a member of the public came forward to warn police about a potential school violence threat. Although this incident was international, police organizations work together around the world to maintain public safety.”
Concerned citizens should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or their nearest police authority when witnessing or becoming aware of activities or behaviours that threaten public safety—no matter where in the world that threat to public safety may be.
