233067

BC  

Arrest in school threat

UPDATE: 2 p.m.

RCMP in Nelson are shedding some light on the threat that led to the sudden and extended closure of a South Slocan high school.

Police say "a very serious threat" led to the school shutdown and cancellation of grad ceremonies.

The Kootenay Boundary RCMP received a report of a threat on June 23 at 2:30 p.m. at Mount Sentinal High School, located west of Nelson along Highway 3.

"Officers arrived at the scene to find school officials had detained one of the students. After a brief discussion with officials, the student was taken into police custody without incident," said Cpl. Dave Tyreman.

The individual in custody was expected to make an appearance in Castlegar provincial court, facing numerous charges.

"Our primary focus was to determine the credibility of the information, identifying anyone that should be spoken with immediately, and determining what further actions should be taken. Investigators have determined this threat to be very serious in nature and have determined this was an isolated incident."

Police say there have been a number of rumours and speculation relating to the investigation, "but our lack of public confirmation is not reflective of the investigative efforts taken."

The investigation remains ongoing, in co-ordination with the school district.


ORIGINAL

A high school in southeastern B.C. remains closed Monday as officials investigate a threat.

Posts on the website of Mount Sentinel Secondary in South Slocan, about 25 kilometres west of Nelson, confirm a threat to the safety of students and staff was received last week.

Officials decided to shut down the school and also postponed graduation ceremonies set for the weekend.

An update posted Sunday and attributed to Mount Sentinel vice-principal Shellie Maloff says the RCMP, Nelson Police, the Ministry of Children and Family Development and the school district's Violent Threat Assessment Team are investigating.

The post urges parents and students to "continue to be vigilant" if attending any grad activities, parties or events where students might congregate.

School officials hope Mount Sentinel can reopen Tuesday and say other schools in the Slocan Valley are not affected by the threat and are open for the final week of classes before summer break.

– The Canadian Press



More BC News