—5:20 p.m.—
The hold and secure at both Lake Trail Community and Arden Elementary schools has ended, according to Comox Valley Schools, and students have been dismissed safely.
RCMP say they were investigating a report of a man with a long gun in the nearby woods. They say the report came in at around 2:20 p.m. when a student reported to staff that she had seen a man in Roy Stewart Morrison Nature Park with a long gun.
The student also reported hearing two gun shots, according to police. Officers say they conducted a thorough search of the park and neighbourhood with police dog and the RCMP helicopter assistance, but the man could not be found.
They say there weren’t any more reports of a man with a long gun or shots fired afterwards.
“Once police were able to determine there was no active threat in the park or surrounding area, students were dismissed,” said Comox Valley RCMP media relations officer Cst. Monika Terragni.
“We would like to thank the media and the public for being patient and respectfully sharing our message on social media.”
The man was described as being mixed race and wearing boots, but the witness could not describe the type of clothing or anything more about him at the time of the report.
She added the man did not say anything to her and did not make any threats towards her.
Officers say they will stay in the area for some time to continue investigating and will be speaking with neighbourhood residents.
They ask anyone who was in the park or the area between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to call Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321 and report any suspicious activity.
— 4:25 p.m.—
The hold and secure at both Lake Trail Community and Arden Elementary schools has ended, according to Comox Valley Schools.
The district says students have been dismissed safely, and they thank the public for avoiding the area while RCMP worked to ensure the area is safe.
RCMP say they were investigating a report of a man with a long gun in the nearby woods.
Arden Elementary was dismissed first and the district says there was no threat to either school.
— 4 p.m.—
Comox Valley Schools says Lake Trail School is still in hold and secure, while Arden Elementary has been safely dismissed with structured dismissal.
The hold and secure will be lifted once RCMP can confirm the area is safe.
They ask you to avoid the area and there was no threat to either school.
—
Comox Valley Schools says Arden Elementary and Lake Trail Community School are currently in hold and secure protocols.
The district says this is in response to an incident nearby the schools. They add all entrance doors to the school are locked with no one permitted in or out of school during a hold and secure.
Comox Valley RCMP say they are in the area investigating a report of a man seen with a long gun in the nearby woods.
They are asking you to avoid the area and will share more information about student dismissals.
