(UPDATE: Feb. 5 @ 3:20 pm) - Police say a "youth male" has been arrested in connection to threats made towards Kelowna Christian School today.
The arrest comes after the school was put into "hold and secure" mode for over four hours in response to the alleged threats.
“As a result of the police investigation, members of the Kelowna RCMP School Resource Unit were able to identify where the call was placed and the individual who made the threat,” said Cst. Lesley Smith.
“The suspect was identified as a youth in a neighbouring community and he was subsequently located and arrested for his actions.”
He's now facing charges of uttering threats and public mischief.
(UPDATE: Feb. 5 @ 2:15 pm) - Students are heading home after a stressful day at Kelowna Christian School.
The early departure comes after a four-hour "hold and secure" situation basically put the school on lock down.
Students were forced to stay inside their classrooms as police officers assessed the level of risk behind threats made again students and staff this morning.
While the situation has been resolved, both the school and police are tight-lipped on any details regarding the male suspect and whether anyone has been arrested in connection to the threats.
"Grade 6 to 12 students need to be picked up at the campus; they will not be dismissed to go to the Shell station," said an update from KCS on Facebook.
"Preschool to Grade 5 students are now dismissed and should be picked up directly from their classrooms. An email has been sent to all school families with further information."
A separate statement from the school to KCS families, obtained by KelownaNow, said it was "good to know that today's situation amouned to an inconvenience."
It also clarified that counsellors would be at the school on Thursday for anyone who wishes to debrief concerns.
(Original story: Feb. 5 @ 11:15 am) - Kelowna Christian School continues to be in "hold and secure" status as the RCMP investigates threats made against the school earlier today.
"This means that all students are safe in their classrooms and involved in activities, but are not moving between classes, and exterior doors are locked," says a notice from the school to families.
"Students are not leaving the school for appointments, and no visitors are allowed at the campuses."
School officials called the police around 9 am today and told officers that they had received a threat from a male suspect.
According to a police release, the threat was made towards students and staff of the school.
An investigation was immediately launched and officers continue to assess the level of risk at both of the schools campuses.
“RCMP officers and school officials continue to work together to ensure the safety of the school identified in the threat,” said Cst. Solana Paré.
“RCMP continue to conduct an ongoing risk assessment based on the best information available to us, and have taken the appropriate steps to reduce any potential risk.”
Anyone with information that may aid this investigation is asked to call the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.
You can also report tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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