Weapons report prompts hold and secure at high school

One person was arrested after RCMP officers responded to a weapons complaint in the parking lot of a secondary school in Vernon on Thursday afternoon.

On Wednesday, February 15th, 2024, around 12:40 p.m., police were called to Vernon Secondary School after staff received information that a person in the parking lot of the school may be in possession of a firearm. Witnesses told staff the person had left in a vehicle and to ensure the safety of the school and students, administrators initiated a hold and secure and called police. Frontline officers responded to the school and area and quickly identified the suspect who was arrested without incident at another location. Through their investigation, police determined the suspected firearm was a BB gun.

From our investigation, there has not been any indication there was any direct threat to the safety of the school, states Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. However, in response to any potential dangers, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and School District 22 will take any and all necessary action to ensure the safety of our students and schools. We are working closely in partnership with SD22 as we continue our investigation and want to thank everyone for their patience and co-operation as we worked to safely resolve the situation.

The 18-year old was released from custody later that afternoon pending a court appearance at a later date.

The police investigation into the incident is continuing and there is no additional information for release at this time.