Threat to school believed to be false

NEWS/ POLICE — Wednesday’s threatening call that led to a lockdown of Summit elementary school was very likely a case of public mischief, say Kamloops RCMP.

The call was made to the school about 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, resulting in the lockdown and an armed response from police. The call involved a weapons threat.

Police established containment around the area, cleared the inside and outside of the school for any potential threats, and then had the students removed from the school to meet with their parents.

“Investigators have determined that the call came from a blocked source and are continuing their attempts to identify the origin,” Cpl. Cheryl Bush said Thursday.

“These investigations are treated very seriously, as they create unnecessary stress for staff and students, while putting the safety of the public at great risk while emergency crews respond. These incidents also divert police and other emergency personnel from legitimate emergencies.”

She said investigation has also revealed that other communities within the province received calls at about the same time and date, with almost identical information from the caller.

“This further leads police to believe that this was a false call.”

The callers could face charges of public mischief.

“The police recognize that publicity plays into the hands of the suspects and gives them what they are looking for. While we need to respond and provide information to the public, we also need to ensure that we don’t over highlight these acts, as we certainly don’t want to inspire others to do the same thing.”