OLDS – Olds RCMP officers investigating a threatening message of “abhorrent racism” on a stall in a female washroom at Ecole Olds High School are calling for people to stop posting speculation and rumours about the case on social media.
“Police caution the public and school population from speculating or making assumptions related to these events,” RCMP Cpl. Shawn Morgan said Friday.
The exact nature of the threat or exactly when it was made has not been made public.
However, in a letter to parents and guardians sent out Friday, Feb. 28 school principal Tom Christensen said the investigation is ongoing.
“I want to say how proud we should all be of the student body,” said Christensen. “They are outraged at the abhorrent racism indicated in the graffiti and the threats given and are doing whatever possible help the situation.”
An announcement over the school PA system on Thursday said a $1,000 reward was being offered for information leading to the identity of the person responsible for the message.
Christensen confirmed that a reward is being offered for information about the incident.
“It has been a difficult week as we have dealt with the graffiti threat,” he said. “In cooperation with the RCMP, we will continue to seek resolve to the threat.”
SEE RELATED ARTICLE: UPDATE: Threat at École Olds High School prompts RCMP action
A pancake breakfast planned for Friday morning at the school was cancelled due to the incident.
Police have been at the school since being notified of the threatening message on Wednesday.
Officers have been trying to solicit information about the case, speaking to students, staff and parents.
Unfortunately, some incorrect information has been posted on social media regarding the case, said Morgan.
“Throughout the day efforts by the school were made to encourage those with information to come forward,” he said.
“Additional details describing the footwear and pants worn by a person in the washroom in the time frame established was released to the student population by school administration.
“This information has been incorrectly described on social media and suggest a female with grey sweatpants and grey shoes was responsible. This information was incorrect both in its description and suggestion the student wearing the clothing is the party responsible.”
The person described could have legitimately been in the washroom, he said.
“Police would like to speak to this person as they may have information important to identifying those responsible,” he said.
“Additionally, rumours are being posted advising the suspect is male. All this underscores the complexity of an investigation that would be seemingly easy in the public’s eye.”
Officers were back at the school on Friday as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information is being asked to call Cpl. Morgan at 403-556-9116 or Crime Stoppers, P3Tips.com or using the P3Tips app available through Apple or Google Play Store.
