Update on weapons investigation near school

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is providing an update on the investigation into a weapons report that prompted a hold and secure at a secondary school in Coldstream on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, November 7th, 2023, around 10:30 a.m., police responded to a weapons report in the area of Kalamalka Secondary School in Coldstream. Preliminary findings from the initial investigation suggested an individual may have been in possession of what was possibly a firearm on or near school property. Upon receiving this information and to ensure the safety of staff and students, the school initiated a hold and secure while police were called to investigate.

Two individuals were arrested in connection with the incident and were released from custody with conditions pending a future court appearance. Further investigation has also led to police recovering the alleged weapon, an imitation firearm believed to be a pellet gun.

At this time, there has not been any information or evidence collected that would substantiate any credible threat to the students or the school, states Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. The incident remains under investigation and we are working closely in partnership with School District 22.

Police are taking the opportunity to issue an important safety reminder to the public that possessing fake guns in public can prompt a real police response.

Using or having an imitation firearm in a public place can have serious consequences. Airsoft, paintball, pellet guns can all be made to closely resemble real firearms. This creates a huge safety concern for both the public and our officers who treat all firearms as real until proven otherwise.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP directly at (250) 545-7171 and quote file # 2023-19624.