Lake Trail Middle School was sent into lockdown protocol on Friday, April 21st after a student witnessed a man carrying a long-barrelled rifle nearby the school.
Comox Valley RCMP was contacted around 2:20 p.m. to investigate and locate the man seen carrying the rifle in Roy Stewart Morrison Nature Park, which is adjacent to the school located at 805 Willemar Avenue in Courtenay.
Students also reported hearing two shots being fired from the area.
The school went into ‘hold and secure’ protocol while police searched the area with the aid of Police Dog Services and a police helicopter.
Comox Valley RCMP are currently in the area of Laketrail Middle School investigating a report of a man seen with a long gun in the nearby woods. Surrounding schools have been placed in hold and secure, children inside are safe inside while police contain the area and search.
— Comox Valley RCMP (@comoxvalleyrcmp) April 21, 2023
Despite RCMP’s best efforts, the man could not be located and police say no additional reports of shots being fired were called in.
“Once police were able to determine there was no active threat in the park or surrounding area, students were dismissed,” said Cst. Monika Terragni, Media Relations Officer, Comox Valley RCMP.
“We would like to thank the media and the public for being patient and respectfully sharing our message on social media.”
According to the student witness, the man carrying the weapon was of mixed race and wearing boots.
Police say they will remain near the scene to investigate further and speak with residents of the neighbourhood to find out more information.
Anyone with information about this incident is being asked by police to call Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321.
