Greater Victoria schools briefly placed under hold and secure after unfounded weapons call (UPDATED)

UPDATE: ‘Hold and secure’ protocols were lifted at approximately 10:52 a.m., and lasted for a little over half an hour.

According to Saanich Police Sgt. Julie Fast, a person driving by on the Trans Canada Highway called police after observing what they believed was two teenagers, one of whom was carrying a handgun.

“We’ve been in the area, talked to lots of people, but found no one matching the description of the teenagers,” Sgt. Fast tells Victoria Buzz.

Police say the call was unfounded and all school activities have returned to normal.

Earlier: The Greater Victoria School District has advised that four schools are currently under hold and secure.

Since approximately 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Spectrum Community School, Marigold School, Colquitz Middle School, and St. Joseph’s Elementary School are under hold and secure due to alleged suspicious activity on the Galloping Goose Trail.

Unconfirmed reports say authorities are searching for two teens on the trail, one of whom is allegedly carrying a weapon.

Victoria Buzz has reached out to Saanich Police for more information.

More to come.