Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo is no longer on lockdown after a dramatic Thursday morning.
Just before 10:30 a.m., the lockdown was initiated after reports were received of a man with an object that appeared to be a handgun.
As per the university’s policy, all students and staff were locked within their respective buildings. The Nanaimo RCMP were on scene and began searching the campus for the suspect.
The search was called off at 11 a.m. as the man was not found. The senior administration at the university then decided to lift the lockdown and resume normal activities.
The Nanaimo RMP is continuing with their investigation. They will be reviewing surveillance tapes and speaking with witnesses to the incident. If anyone has information they are asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, text 274637, keyword Nanaimo or submit a TIP online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.
The university was communicating with staff, students and residents on its Twitter account during the incident.