Students assaulted during sports event at Waterloo high school, police seek 6 suspects

Students were threatened and assaulted during a sports event at a Waterloo high school earlier this month and police say they’re searching for six suspects.

The six men entered Laurel Heights Secondary School (LHSS) at 4 p.m. on Feb. 11, police said in a release on Friday.

Details on what exactly transpired are vague. Police say the six men “proceeded to threaten and assault multiple students. Minor physical injuries were sustained by one of the students.”

The suspects are believed to be adults and not students at the school.

Police posted photos of the suspects on social media:

The Waterloo County Secondary School Athletic Association’s website shows there were quarter final junior and senior boys basketball games taking place at Laurel Heights on Feb. 11.

The Waterloo Region District School Board also said it was made aware of the assault and that school officials immediately reported the situation to police.

“We know that those in the LHSS community may be impacted by this news and incident. We want to reassure them that we are taking this incident very seriously. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated. Everyone has a right to feel safe in their school environment,” Vida Collis, superintendent for Area 1, student achievement and well-being, said in a statement emailed to CBC News.

“School staff have been working directly with the students and families impacted by this incident,” Collis said, adding anyone in need of additional support should talk to an official at their school or a trusted adult.

“Together with students, staff, families and WRPS, we are working together to ensure our schools remain safe and supportive places for all. We would like to thank WRPS for their ongoing partnership in ensuring our schools remain safe places for all who work and learn there each day.”