Toronto high school lifts lockdown after slashing sends teen to hospital

Toronto police say Humberside Collegiate Institute was put under lockdown as a result of a slashing Friday. (Paul Smith/CBC - image credit)
Toronto police say Humberside Collegiate Institute was put under lockdown as a result of a slashing Friday. (Paul Smith/CBC - image credit)

A high school in Toronto's west end was under lockdown Friday after a student was slashed and police say the suspect has been arrested.

Toronto police said they received reports of an altercation at Humberside Collegiate Institute in The Junction around 11:45 a.m. Police initially said they were told of a stabbing, however at a news conference Friday afternoon, Insp. Peter Wehby clarified it was a slashing.

A teenage boy, a student at the school, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, they said.

The suspect, a 16-year-old boy who is also student at the school, was found and arrested off school property, police said.

"At this time, we believe this is an isolated incident and we do not believe there is any risk to any of the students or members of the public," said Wehby.

In a letter to parents, the Toronto District School Board said students were let out of school around 1:10 p.m.

"This was a very difficult situation today, and we know that students and staff may require additional support," said principal Claudine Tyrell.

"Please know that TDSB social workers will be at the school tomorrow to speak with students who want to
speak with someone, and supports will remain in place for as long as they are needed."

Police are asking any witnesses or students who have video of the altercation to contact officers or submit a tip anonymously to Crime Stoppers.