Suspected weapon complaint leads to arrest, hold and secure at VSS

Feb 16, 2024 | 12:02 PM

Vernon Secondary School shut and locked its doors temporarily while police responded to a weapons complaint in the area Thursday afternoon.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP say officers were called to VSS at around 12:40 p.m. after staff received information that a person in the parking lot of the school may have had a firearm.

The witness reportedly said they told staff the suspect had left in a vehicle, but a hold and secure was issued to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Police responded to the school and surrounding area and located the suspect, who was arrested without incident.

The investigation uncovered that the suspected firearm was a BB gun.

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“From our investigation, there has not been any indication there was any direct threat to the safety of the school,” Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, stated.

“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 cooperation as we worked to safely resolve the situation.”

The 18-year-old suspect was released from custody late Thursday afternoon and is due in court at a later date.

The RCMP said the investigation into this case was ongoing as of Friday morning.

by Liam Verster

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