Kalamalka Secondary (Vernon Matters file photo)

By Pete McIntyre

incident investigated

UPDATE: Person with possible gun was reason for Hold & Secure at local schools

Jun 24, 2024 | 10:00 AM

RCMP have released more details about why a Hold and Secure order was issued at Kalamalka Secondary in Coldstream last Friday (June 21.

Cpl. Tania Finn says police were notified about a suspicious person cycling along Kalamalka Lake Road in possession of a possible firearm around 1:15 p.m. that day.

“As police responded to the area, the local schools, Kalamalka Secondary, Kidston Elementary and Coldstream Elementary, were contacted and police requested a ‘Hold and Secure’ be put in place while police patrolled for the suspect,” Finn told Vernon Matters.

Finn said Mounties located the individual a short time later and determined the firearm was a pellet gun which led to the hold and secure being lifted.

Police did not say if any charges are being recommended.

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June 24, 2024

Security protocols were put in place at Kalamalka Secondary School in Coldstream Friday afternoon.

School District 22 says the school was placed in a Hold and Secure around 1:25 p.m. as a precaution while police investigated an undisclosed incident.

“The procedure is used when there is cause for concern in the community,” Vice-Principal Colin Mayer said in a letter sent home to families.

About an hour later, at 2:32 p.m., the RCMP advised the situation was under control and the Hold and Secure was lifted.

Mayer said student safety is their first priority.

“There was no direct threat to the safety and wellbeing of our students. If your child has questions, please reassure them that the RCMP and the school worked together to deal with the situation and everyone was safe at all times,” Mayer stated.

The vice-principal said all their students and staff responded appropriately and implemented the Hold and Secure in an orderly fashion.

Vernon Matters has reached out to Vernon RCMP for more details on the incident and if anyone was arrested.