The Coquitlam RCMP has put multiple schools in Coquitlam on hold-and-secure after those schools received alleged phoned-in threats on Wednesday afternoon.
Police say the measures are being put in place out of an abundance of caution to keep students, staff, and teachers safe.
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Officers responded to the threats shortly after 12:25 p.m. and remain on scene.
“We quickly engaged with various partner agencies, including the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Services,” said Insp. Veronica Fox.
“A hold-and-secure involves keeping students in their classrooms to allow staff and, in this case, the RCMP, ensure the school is safe,” assistant director Ken Hoff of School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) said in a written statement.
The district says that local businesses in the area also received similar threats.
Shortly before 2:25 p.m., the hold-and-secure measures were lifted.
“However, out of an abundance of caution, our officers continue to remain at the scene for now as these investigations are actively unfolding,” Fox added.
Coquitlam RCMP asks the public to stay away from the area as the incident is currently still unfolding.
Initially, the RCMP placed the Centennial Secondary School on hold-and-secure. However, once police arrived at the scene, officers were notified that other schools in Coquitlam received phoned-in threats as well.
As a result, the RCMP moved ahead and put other schools on hold-and-secure measures, too. In total, eight schools were affected.
Fox says that police can not provide any further information on any potential suspects.
“At this time, the parties are unknown,” Fox said.
“We also don’t have linkages between all of the calls at this time. The investigation will be ongoing and hopefully identify any advantages and the parties responsible.”
Police in Port Moody say they are investigating whether a similar incident at an elementary school Wednesday afternoon is connected to the events in Coquitlam.
The Port Moody Police Department says it has lifted security measures at Glenayre Elementary School after a brief hold-and-secure in response to a reported threat.
“We are working with our partners at Coquitlam RCMP to determine if the incidents are connected,” said Const. Sam Zacharias.
