Teens appear in court on weapons charges after school lockdown

HALIFAX – Two teenage boys appeared in provincial court on Wednesday to face multiple weapons charges after an incident at Millwood High School in Lower Sackville on Tuesday which prompted the school to be locked down.

The pair, aged 15 and 17, had a stoic demeanour when they appeared in Halifax Provincial Court Wednesday afternoon.

A show cause hearing was originally suggested for Thursday, however crown attorney John Nisbet argued he needed an extra day to prepare.

The pair was remanded until a court appearance set for Friday.

Each face 19 charges, including four counts possession of a dangerous weapon, four counts of carrying a concealed weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm for the purpose of trafficking.

The two are also charged with unsafe storage of a firearm, two counts of possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and two counts of possession of a weapon obtained by crime.

Police say 18-year-old Jonathan Murray, also believed to be involved in the incident, appeared in Dartmouth Provincial Court on Wednesday.

Murray faces a charge of uttering threats after being arrested on Tuesday night.

RCMP Cst. Jennifer Clarke said extra officers were on site at Millwood High in Middle Sackville on Wednesday at the request of the school.

The school was swarmed with officers just before noon Tuesday, after a tip from the public that someone with a gun was in the area.

A duffel bag of guns, two long guns and two BB-style guns, along with ammunition was found in a wooded-area nearby.

Investigators believe the bag was placed there by the two accused before they were arrested.

Police are acknowledging that the discovery of the bag of guns has prompted public concern about a shooting plot.

Clarke said Wednesday she understands that parents and students might be concerned about a possible attack at the school, but adds investigators have yet to determine if there was in fact any threat.

Clarke said officers have received plenty of positive support from parents regarding the way Tuesday’s incident at the school was handled.

“They felt we could do everything we could do and they’re satisfied with the police response yesterday,” she said. “It’s wonderful to get those comments,” Clarke added.

Nearby Millwood Elementary School was also placed in a “hold and secure” order Tuesday afternoon, with students later dismissed on time.