Thursday, September 24, 2026
Woodstock, ON – On Sept. 24, 2026, shortly after 2:30 p.m., Woodstock Police Service officers responded to St. Patrick’s Catholic Elementary School on Parkinson Road after the school reported a suspicious homemade device on the property.
As a precaution, multiple police units responded and the school was fully evacuated. Nearby Southside Public School sheltered in place, and residents of nearby homes were asked to either shelter in place or leave the area. Several roads around the school were temporarily closed.
Officers searched the school and seized the device, which was confirmed not to be an explosive. Nothing else of concern was found.
The investigation is ongoing. Road closures have been lifted, and the shelter-in-place at Southside Public School has ended. There is no ongoing risk to the public.
Police thank students, staff, parents and neighbours for their patience and cooperation. Police also thank partner first responder agencies, Woodstock Transit, the London District Catholic School Board and the Thames Valley District School Board for their assistance.
The Woodstock Police Service would like to encourage anyone with information about this investigation to contact the Woodstock Police Service at 519-537-2323 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).