Skip to content

18-year-old with BB gun prompts lockdown at Vernon school

RCMP make arrest following VSS weapons complaint
web1_240222-vms-vss-hold-secure-vss_1
Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and the Vernon School District implemented a hold-and-secure measure at Vernon Secondary School Thursday afternoon, Feb. 15. The measure is put in place when there is a cause for concern in the community. Police, however, worked quickly to defuse the situation. (Brendan Shykora - Morning Star)

A teen who brought a BB gun to a local high school was arrested and is heading to court.

A weapons complaint prompted a hold-and-secure at Vernon Secondary School Thursday, Feb. 15, around 12:40 p.m.

RCMP were called to the school after staff received information that a person in the parking lot of the school had a firearm.

Witnesses told staff the person had left in a vehicle and to ensure the safety of the school and students, administrators initiated a hold and secure and called police.

Police quickly identified the suspect, an 18-year-old, who was arrested without incident at another location and determined the suspected firearm was a BB gun.

“From our investigation, there has not been any indication there was any direct threat to the safety of the school,” said Const. Chris Terleski, media relations officer. “However, in response to any potential dangers, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and School District 22 (SD22) will take any and all necessary action to ensure the safety of our students and schools. We are working closely in partnership with SD22 as we continue our investigation and want to thank everyone for their patience and co-operation as we worked to safely resolve the situation.”

The suspect was released from custody later that afternoon pending a court appearance at a later date.

READ MORE: Vernon school placed under hold-and-secure

READ MORE: Interior Health warns of undiluted fentanyl sold as down in Vernon



Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

Vernon has always been my home, and I've been working at The Morning Star since 2004.
Read more