John Barsby Secondary School, along with George Ave. Elementary were placed under hold and secure orders on Thursday, Jan. 9 after a threat was made (File Photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

SUSPECTED WEAPON

John Barsby, Georgia Ave. schools placed under ‘Hold and Secure’ after weapons threat

Jan 9, 2020 | 8:20 AM

NANAIMO — Tensions were high at John Barsby Secondary School as concerns surfaced of a man possibly armed with several weapons in the vicinity of the high school.

RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said police received a report of somebody approaching John Barsby School on Thursday, Jan. 9 around 2 p.m. who may have been armed.

“Possibly that these people were in possession of weapons and they may be looking for an individual near the school,” O’Brien said.

He said the suspect and two other males were arrested near the school about 45 minutes later and no weapons were found.

O’Brien said the males, ranging in age from 16 to 26, were released after the incident.

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A Hold and Secure measure was immediately put in place at the school and nearby Georgia Ave. Elementary.

O’Brien said the males are known to police and have connections to John Barsby Secondary, but wouldn’t elaborate.

No charges are pending, but O’Brien said the investigation is continuing.

In November 2019, students at Dover Bay Secondary, NDSS and McGirr Elementary schools were placed under Hold and Secure, and Lockdown procedures in response to a threat made.

Police later determined the threat was not credible.

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