Durham Regional Police (DRPS) are searching for at least two suspects after an imitation firearm was found following a fight during a high school basketball game Monday night at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre (CRWC).
Police say paid-duty officers at a high school basketball finals game responded to a fight in the lobby of the athletic complex shared by Durham College and Ontario Tech University at about 8:20 p.m. on March 2.
According to a Durham Regional Police media release, officers attempted to intervene, but two males fled the area.
After the altercation, police located a firearm on the ground, which was later confirmed to be an imitation handgun.
No injuries were reported.
According to the Lake Ontario Secondary School Athletics (LOSSA) website, a basketball championship game involving J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate and Pickering High School was scheduled for Monday at 7 p.m. at the CRWC, although police have not confirmed the teams playing that evening.
In an email to Durham College students Tuesday afternoon, the college said the situation was “promptly de-escalated” by Durham police with assistance from campus security.
The college said police have confirmed there is no risk to the campus community and that the Office of Campus Safety is cooperating with the investigation.
Police believe the incident is isolated.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have cellphone, dash camera or surveillance footage related to the incident to contact Det. Lemanis of the Central East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2738.
Anonymous information can also be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
Police have not released descriptions of the suspects.