TPS and school division respond to safety concern

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Horizon School Division and Taber Police Service moved quickly after the TPS became aware of “concerning comments” made by a Taber man late in the evening on Jan. 8. Two youths reported a suspicious male in the downtown area making the unspecified comments. The man was described as 30-40 years old with stubble, wearing a white hoodie and a backwards black hat. A TPS social media announcement said, “Although the comments did not directly reference a specific school, an inference could be made that it was pertaining to a school in the Horizon School Division.  The comments were concerning enough to warrant some precautionary procedures being enacted by the Horizon School Division and the Taber Police Service.”

 On the morning of Jan. 9, Horizon Supt. Wilco Tymensen sent a letter to parents and staff at Central, W.R. Myers, and D.A. Ferguson Schools to inform them that though no threats were made, police would be present at the schools and that classes would be confined indoors with the outer doors remaining locked.

 TPS investigated the matter and apprehended a Taber male under the Mental Health Act. He was transported to a designated facility for evaluation. “At this time there is no evidence of criminality and there is no active threat to the schools. This is determined to be a matter of someone’s personal medical challenges and no names will be released. There is no public risk at this time,” the TPS statement said on the afternoon of Jan. 9.

 On Jan. 10, Tymensen confirmed that there was no further concern, saying, “I commend school administration and appreciate the work of Taber police with ensuring student safety.”