Shooting Near Brampton’s St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School Sparks Lockdown and Heightened Police Response
BRAMPTON, ON — April 30, 2025 — A sense of shock and concern gripped Brampton’s east end on Wednesday after a teenager was shot near a busy plaza close to St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, triggering a swift lockdown of multiple nearby schools and a major police investigation.
The incident occurred around 11:24 a.m. in a shopping plaza located in the area of Grenoble Boulevard and Central Park Drive. According to Peel Regional Police, a 17-year-old girl was found suffering from a gunshot wound at the scene. Emergency medical services transported her to a local hospital where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Police confirmed that the victim was a youth and that a male suspect had been identified, although no arrests had been made as of the latest update. Investigators were still working to determine whether the weapon used in the shooting was real or a replica.
Lockdowns at Nine Schools
Out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with emergency protocols, nine area schools were placed under hold-and-secure orders, a measure used when there is a potential threat outside the building. While classes continued inside, all exterior doors were locked, and students and staff were not permitted to leave.
The schools affected included:
- St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School
- Grenoble Public School
- Greenbriar Middle School
- Goldcrest Public School
- Holy Name of Mary Catholic Secondary School
- St. Jean Brebeuf Elementary School
- Judith Nyman Secondary School
- Chinguacousy Secondary School
- Williams Parkway Sr. Public School
The lockdowns remained in place for several hours before police gave the all-clear in the early afternoon. Authorities praised school administrators for their prompt response and coordination during the emergency.
Parents and Community React
The event caused anxiety among parents and community members, many of whom rushed to the school areas only to find access restricted due to the lockdown measures.
“I just wanted to make sure my daughter was safe,” said Andrea S., a parent of a student at Chinguacousy Secondary School. “These incidents are terrifying, and you never think they’ll happen close to home — until they do.”
Despite the fear and confusion, Peel Police emphasized that there was no ongoing threat to the public and that all necessary steps were taken to protect students.
Wider Safety Concerns in Peel Region Schools
This latest incident comes amid broader concerns about school safety in the Peel Region. Just last year, in March 2023, Peel Police responded to online threats targeting six high schools in Brampton and Mississauga — including St. Thomas Aquinas — sparking temporary lockdowns and increased law enforcement presence.
While no weapons were found in that case, the memory of the threats still lingers in the community, reinforcing the need for vigilance and swift action when such situations arise.
Investigation Ongoing
Peel Regional Police continue to actively investigate the shooting and are urging any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward. They are also reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and speaking with potential witnesses to piece together what led to the violent incident.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Peel Crime Stoppers or the Peel Regional Police non-emergency line.
Conclusion
While the victim in Wednesday’s shooting is expected to recover, the emotional toll on students, educators, and families remains significant. The incident has once again sparked calls for enhanced youth engagement, mental health support, and community safety measures in Brampton.
As schools returned to normal operations later in the day, officials assured the public that they remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students.
For updates on this developing story, follow Peel Regional Police through their official website or social media channels.