(Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Michael Reeve and Sydney Chisholm

POLICE RESPONSE

Valleyview Secondary placed in ‘hold and secure’ due to nearby weapons report

Oct 3, 2024 | 12:25 PM

KAMLOOPS — Updated as of 4:49 p.m. Thursday –

“I was in my math class, and all of a sudden we hear over the announcements that it’s locked down,” said Preston Falardeau, an 8th Grade 8 at Valleyview Secondary.

“Everybody closed their doors and covered the windows, and everybody in my class got scared.”

Police were called to the high school at about 11:35 on Thursday morning for a potential weapon threat.

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“Kamloops RCMP frontline officers were called to the area of Valleyview Drive near Oriole Road for a report of a potential weapon observed,” said CPL. Crystal Evelyn from the Kamloops RCMP.

The hold and secure was lifted shortly after police arrived.

“It is a good example of sometimes situations unfold quickly,” said School District 73 superintendent, Rhonda Nixon.

“We need to work together closely with our partners and follow our routines and follow our processes so that we don’t miss steps.”

According to RCMP, two youths were apprehended as part of the investigation, they were then released to the custody of their parents.

“Two replica handguns were located in the area police are working with the school district and their community partners to continue to address this investigation,” said Evelyn.

“If anybody has any information, please reach out to police.”

No injuries were reported. Police have not released if the youths were students at Valleyview Secondary.

Updated as of 1:45 p.m. Thursday –

The hold and secure at Valleyview Secondary School has been lifted.

“Police recommended the hold and secure to School District 73 due to the presence of a potential threat in the area at the time,” said Corporal Dana Napier, Community Police Officer.

Two youths were apprehended shortly after as part of the investigation. They were later released to their parents.

Two replica handguns were located near the school. No one was injured.

The Kamloops RCMP Detachment is working with its school partners as part of the ongoing investigation.

Original Story –

Kamloops RCMP are conducting an investigation in the are of Valleyview Drive and Oriole Road for a report involving a potential weapon.

“On Oct. 3, 2024, around 11:35 a.m., Kamloops RCMP Detachment frontline officers were called to the area where a person was observed in possession of what appeared to be a weapon. A school was placed in a hold and secure out of an abundance of caution, while police responded,” reads the release from Cpl. Crystal Evelyn.

Residents are asked to stay clear of the area.

This story will be updated when more information becomes available.