Ontario Provincial Police have made an arrest and are actively searching for a second individual following a break-in at the vacant former Kingsville District High School. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, highlighting ongoing security concerns at the shuttered educational facility.
Early Morning Break-In Triggers Police Response
Police were dispatched to the school, located on Main Street East in Kingsville, around 4 a.m. on Thursday after an alarm was activated. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals inside the building. One suspect managed to flee the scene, but police successfully apprehended a 38-year-old Kingsville man.
Charges Filed Against Arrested Suspect
The arrested individual now faces serious charges, including breaking and entering with the intent to commit an indictable offence and failure to comply with a probation order. This development underscores the legal consequences associated with trespassing at vacant properties.
Search Continues for Second Suspect
Authorities are still seeking the second suspect, who is described as having long brown hair and wearing a black leather jacket. The Ontario Provincial Police are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.
School Closure and Property Status
Kingsville District High School was closed by the Greater Essex County District School Board in 2024, along with Kingsville Public School and Jack Miner Public School. Students have since been relocated to the newly constructed kindergarten to Grade 12 Erie Migration District School on Jasperson Road.
The former high school property at 170 Main Street also houses Migration Hall, which continues to be used for various recreational activities. Despite the town's efforts to purchase the three school properties, including a specific bid for the high school site alone, both attempts were rejected earlier this year.
Community Cooperation Sought
Police are asking anyone with relevant information to contact the Essex County OPP crime unit at 1-888-310-1122, referencing case number E260327214. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.catchcrooks.com, where tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by communities with vacant public buildings and the importance of vigilant security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
