On February 11, just after 1 p.m., Elk Valley RCMP responded to a report of threats received by the Rocky Mountain Elementary School in Elkford through Facebook, which included several other agencies, businesses or persons attached to the posts.

The school, with support from the School District No. 5 (SD5), put both the elementary and Elkford Secondary schools on lock-out for student and staff safety. SD5 had also sent messages to parents via their system. Front line officers attended to both schools and reviewed the posts with the administration.

The posts were being completed by a man who is well known to Elk Valley RCMP, and who no longer resides in the local area.

Police were able to confirm, using emergency pings of the known cell phone of the suspect as well as Facebook emergency requests, that he was over 1,000 km away from the Elk Valley, Elk Valley RCMP reported.

After conferring with the school district, it was decided that police would remain in position near or at the schools while the students left at their normal time of day. No issues were noted, with several parents and students showing appreciation to the attending officers and school personnel.

Police confirmed parents were updated via message from the school district. Officers remained near the schools until well after student departures were completed. The District of Elkford Mayor was kept appraised of the situation as well.

“The investigation showed that this situation was related to past personal history involving the man, COVID-19 and other social pressures being felt by his current position in life,” said S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen, Elk Valley RCMP commander.

“There is no nexus to connect these to ongoing investigations elsewhere in the province. Elk Valley RCMP continue to support our local schools and will be checking in regularly as usual with our local administrative teams.”

Elk Valley RCMP’s investigation is ongoing. File 2026-388 refers.

Elk Valley RCMP photo

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