Report of person with gun at Vincent Massey Secondary School was 'unfounded,' police say

The Windsor Police Service says officers were on the scene at Vincent Massey Secondary School Friday to respond to a report that a person with a ski mask had entered the school with a firearm.

No gun shots were heard, according to Director of Corporate Communications Gary Francoeur.

"Officers quickly arrived at the scene and conducted a thorough search of the area," Francoeur said in an email to CBC.

"The investigation concluded that the threat was unfounded."

The school was placed in a hold and secure Friday morning, according to a spokesperson for the Greater Essex County District School Board.

Police vehicles, including Emergency Services Unit vehicles, could be seen outside the school.

Construction workers in the area were told to stay in their vehicles, said Carlos Tavares, a stone worker, who was working near the school.

"I seen a bunch of cops blocking the whole school, walking out with their machine guns and everything," Tavares said. "So, you know, kind of got a little scary there."

Police vehicles were seen leaving the scene shortly after 1 p.m.

Friday was a professional activities (PA) day at the school, the board spokesperson said, but staff were in the building.