News release

Blue Hills RCMP charge male after online threats made

March 18, 2026 - Rivers, Manitoba
From: Manitoba RCMP

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On March 13, Blue Hills RCMP was alerted by INTERPOL to an online conversation that was occurring between two youths – a 15-year-old from Nova Scotia and a 14-year-old from Rivers, Manitoba. 

Officers were informed that the conversation began in late February and that the male youth from Rivers was actively discussing and planning to harm other students at Rivers Collegiate.

An investigation immediately began to identify and locate the 14-year-old who engaged in these conversations and to bring him safely into custody prior to the start of the school week. 

On the morning of March 16, RCMP officers initiated a traffic stop on a school bus near Provincial Road 250 and arrested the 14-year-old suspect, who was unarmed. His phone and electronic devices were seized. 

A subsequent search of two other properties associated to the youth resulted in the seizure of additional electronic devices and other items, including two firearms owned by a relative.

“We know details of this arrest will have an impact on the students, parents, and the entire community of Rivers. Be assured that our officers acted quickly, worked closely with our policing partners, and took immediate steps to find and arrest the youth. The priority from the outset was the safety and security of the students at Rivers Collegiate,” said Superintendent Lee Fortin, West District Commander for the Manitoba RCMP. “As we continue to see a rise in these types of threats, we need everyone to continue reporting anything suspicious or concerning to police — your information can make a critical difference.”

The youth has been charged with uttering threats. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.