One person was arrested after several teens were involved in an altercation at a Nanimo high school today.
On Monday, April 17th, Nanaimo Secondary School initiated ‘Hold and Secure’ protocol following the incident because one student brandished a knife during the altercation and he could not be located.
At around 11 a.m., a teacher called 911 to report the incident in which several students fought and one produced a large knife.
According to police, no one was injured in the altercation and a teacher was able to intervene before things escalated further.
Following the incident, the suspect youth with the knife fled and his whereabouts were unknown.
During the lockdown, or ‘Hold and Secure’, the exterior doors were locked and students were told to remain where they were until told otherwise. The lockdown was in place for about 15 minutes in total.
Finding the suspect student took police around 30 minutes and he was arrested without incident.
A police K9 aided in finding the knife that was believed to be used nearby.
The 15-year-old Nanaimo student was later turned over to the custody of his parents and released on conditions. He is being charged with one count of assault with a weapon.
His first court date is set for July 6th, in Nanaimo Provincial Court.
“The incident was witnessed by a number of youth and at least one video of the incident has already been forwarded to local media outlets,” said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
Investigators are asking anyone who has video evidence to contact their School Liaison Officer or Nanaimo RCMP at (250) 754-2345.
