Police have charged one person with mischief and possession of a weapon following the investigation of a suspicious incident on the University of Ottawa campus.
Just after 7 p.m. on April 10, Ottawa Police said one suspect had been taken into custody following reports of a suspicious person in the area of Nicholas Street and Laurier Avenue.
The incident prompted a lockdown of the university campus.
“If a violent attacker is close by, be ready to run, hide or, if your life is in imminent danger, defend yourself by any means necessary until you can get away,” an emergency alert issued to students said.
The lockdown was lifted shortly after the arrest.
In an update Saturday morning, police say the suspect was in possession of a replica firearm.
That person has been charged with possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, and mischief and preventing the lawful enjoyment of property.
Police say there is no threat to public safety at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Central Criminal Investigations Section at 613-236-1222, extension 5166. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers.
UPDATE: Charges have been laid following yesterday’s suspicious person investigation near @uOttawa.
The item involved was a replica firearm.
There were no injuries and no ongoing threat to public safety.
Full details: https://t.co/YGVQmzkHI6
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La version française suivra sous… https://t.co/8txz3pPn9H
— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) April 11, 2026