A bear spray threat aimed at some Lumby students is under investigation.
The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is investigating the report which resulted in the activation of a hold and secure protocol at Charles Bloom Secondary School Friday, Feb. 23 around 10 a.m.
“Administration at the school informed police they had received information about a threat involving bear spray that was directed at a group of students at the school,” said Const. Chris Terleski, media relations officer.
To ensure safety of the students, the school was placed under a hold and secure while police responded and conducted their investigation.
“A thorough assessment of the situation was completed and it has been determined the threat was not credible and there is no immediate risk to the school or students at this time,” Terleski said.
School administration has since lifted the hold and secure and normal activities have resumed.
No arrests were made and police are continuing their investigation.
UPDATE:
A precautionary hold and secure at Charles Bloom Secondary has been lifted.
RCMP have investigated the incident which prompted the school procedure - used when there is cause for concern in the community.
“Within a short period of time, the RCMP advised that the situation was under control and the additional precautionary measure of hold and secure was lifted,” principal Josh Gutknecht said in a letter to parents.
“Student safety is our first priority. There was no direct threat to the safety and wellbeing of our students. If your child has questions, please reassure them that the RCMP and the school have worked together to deal with the situation and everyone was safe at all times.”
The school is pleased that all students and staff responded appropriately and implemented the hold and secure in an orderly fashion.
ORIGINAL:
High school students in Lumby have been placed on a hold and secure.
A “situation” prompted the hold and secure at Charles Bloom Secondary School Friday morning.
“All are safe within the school,” Vernon School District superintendent Christine Perkins. “It is business as usual inside.”
A hold and secure is typically called in response to a danger that has been identified outside the school or in the surrounding school community.
Further updates will be provided as they become available.
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