UPDATE: 1:25 p.m.
On September 11, 2024, around 1:00 p.m. 911 Communicators received reports of what sounded like gunshots between Cooper Street and Goulais Avenue.
Members of the Emergency Services Unit, Canine Unit, Patrol Services, and Investigation Services responded and secured the area.
The investigation revealed someone had set off firecrackers. No firearm was located, and no evidence of gunfire was discovered. People were found in the area and were given a verbal warning about setting off firecrackers.
Officers cleared the area and are no longer on scene.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Sault Police are asking people to stay away from the area around the Northern Community Centre due to an "ongoing investigation" that prompted a brief lockdown at Korah Collegiate.
"There is currently a significant police presence in the area of Goulais Avenue and Cooper Street for an active investigation," says a brief news release issued by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service. "Community members are asked to please take alternate routes."
The K-9 unit was on scene and emerged from the wooded area behind the NCC. The handler and dog were accompanied by an officer with a long gun.
In an automated email sent to parents at 1:02 p.m. om Wednesday, the Algoma District School Board said Korah "has been placed in lockdown at the request of the SSM Police Services due to a situation nearby."
"Police are onsite and we will provide more information as it becomes available," the email says. "We appreciate parents/ guardians not attending the school until further information is communicated. During a lockdown, all external doors are locked, and students and staff remain inside their classrooms until the lockdown has been lifted."
Fifteen minutes later, at 1:17 p.m., the board announced an end to the lockdown.
"The Algoma District School Board is sharing with families of Korah Intermediate and Secondary Schools that the police have advised us to lift the lockdown," the email said. "All is now clear, and there is no concern for student safety. Thank you for your understanding."