A suspect was arrested Friday in the wake of an operation that forced the confinement of students and staff members of Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. They were called to “barricade” themselves in a room and to turn off the lights on the orders of the authorities, from the start of the day.
Posted at 10:14 a.m.
Updated at 10:49 a.m.
“At the request of the police, students and staff members must barricade themselves in a closed room and turn off the lights. The police have established a security perimeter around the Cégep and access to it is currently prohibited, ”said director general Nathalie Beaudoin in a message published around 10 a.m. on the establishment’s website.
She confirmed that the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Police Service (SPSJR) “is currently carrying out a police intervention at Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu”, without however detailing the reasons.
At least one suspect was arrested, according to information relayed by several media during the morning. Images broadcast in particular on TVA Nouvelles show a suspect being handcuffed by two police officers, before being taken to a vehicle.
Several messages were sent to students and teachers via different platforms. The Press was also able to confirm that several police officers were on the premises of the establishment, and this, from the start of the morning. A large security perimeter has been erected.
Mme Beaudoin asks students, their parents or those around them “not to show up at the Cégep so as not to interfere with the police intervention”. “Rest assured that the safety of the entire college community remains our priority. All the activities of the day are canceled “, she explains on this subject.
On Facebook, the Cégep teachers’ union also mentioned a “barricading required”. “A police operation is underway. We will keep you informed of developments. If you’re not in college, wait to get there and get in,” the organization warned.