Smiths Falls police arrest 4 students after pellet gun brought to school

Two replica handguns were seized at Smiths Falls and District Collegiate Institute on April 7, 2026. (Smiths Falls Police Service/handout)

The Smiths Falls Police Service says four students at Smiths Falls and District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI) were arrested Tuesday after a gun scare at the local high school.

Police said on Facebook that the high school was on lockdown after a report that a gun was shown in the hallway. The nearby Chimo Elementary School was also placed into lockdown as a precaution.

“Students and staff at SFDCI remained lockdown for over an hour while police and school administrative staff investigated the incident. This involved room to room classroom checks and some locker searches,” police said in a news release.

Officers seized a pellet gun “resembling a Glock-style handgun” and another replica handgun and took four students into custody.

The lockdowns at Chimo Elementary School and SFDCI were lifted at noon and 12:30 p.m., respectively.

Charges have not been announced.

“Police are posting pictures of the replica guns seized as an awareness to students and their parents with how close they resemble real ones if pointed at the wrong person or worse, a police officer,” police said.

The Upper Canada District School Board said it could not comment on the police investigation, but shared an email sent to families.

“The lockdown at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute was lifted at 12:30, once Smiths Falls police confirmed there was no threat to students or staff,” the note said.

“Safety and well-being of students and staff is always a priority, and we take any potential threat very seriously. We want to thank all our students and staff for their cooperation today.”

The note said students and staff had lunch and finished the day with their usual last period.

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