UPDATE: Kelowna RCMP say an area youth was arrested and may be facing charges after Kelowna Christian School was locked down on Wednesday morning following an alleged threat.
On Wednesday afternoon, shortly after 3 p.m., police announced that the male youth was arrested in a neighbouring community.
Students and staff at Kelowna Christian School’s two campuses – the high school and the elementary school – were both placed in ‘hold-and-secure’ procedures while police investigated.
“As a result of the police investigation, members of the Kelowna RCMP School Resource Unit were able to identify where the call was placed and the individual who made the threat,” said Const. Lesley Smith.
“The suspect was identified as a youth in a neighbouring community and he was subsequently located and arrested for his actions.”
Police say charges of uttering threats and public mischief are being considered.
Kelowna RCMP did not say which community the youth was from.
They did say, though, that after determining the school was no longer at risk, the lockdown was lifted and that students were given an early dismissal.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Police say they are investigating alleged threats made Wednesday morning involving Kelowna Christian School’s two campuses.
Kelowna RCMP say school officials contacted police just before 9 a.m., after the school received threats made towards students and staff.
Making the alleged and undisclosed threats, according to police, was an unknown male suspect.
Police say they immediately launched an investigation and are continuing to perform an ongoing risk assessment.
The high school on Benvoulin Road was placed on lockdown, as was the elementary school on Gordon Drive.
“RCMP officers and school officials continue to work together to ensure the safety of the school identified in the threat,” said Const. Solana Paré.
“RCMP continue to conduct an ongoing risk assessment based on the best information available to us, and have taken the appropriate steps to reduce any potential risk.”
It’s not known how many officers were on scene, but at least five RCMP vehicles could be seen at the high school.
Just before 1:30 p.m., the lockdown was called off, with the school stating the ‘hold and secure’ situation had been resolved “and there is no threat of danger to staff and students.”
However, the school added that due to the heightened emotion of the day, a decision was made to dismiss all students early.
Anyone who has information regarding the incident is asked to call the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.