A report of a youth brandishing a firearm outside David Thompson Secondary School prompted police to order a lockdown at three additional area schools and campus’ today (April 27), while front line officers carried out a search for the suspect late Tuesday morning.

On April 27, 2021 just before 1 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a report from a school official that a youth suspect was spotted out front of David Thompson Secondary School, in possession of what appeared to be a handgun.

Front line police officers responded to the school, which implemented its school safety procedures and entered into a school lockdown, in order to protect students and staff.

“As an added precaution, RCMP contacted and recommended the lock down of three additional schools in the immediate area, including Eileen Madson Primary School, JA Laird Elementary School and the College of the Rockies Invermere Campus,” stated Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesperson for the BC RCMP in the Southeast District.

A detailed description of the youth suspect was obtained by police who responded to the scene and launched a search for that individual. The investigation led to the identity of the youth suspect, who has since been taken into police custody without incident. RCMP has seized a replica firearm.

The Columbia Valley RCMP is working closely with the school district as it continues its investigation into the incident. All school lockdowns have since been lifted.

Columbia Valley RCMP would like to thank each of the impacted schools, all students, teachers and staff for their patience during the lockdown and hold and secure requests.

Columbia Valley RCMP

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