RCMP Confirms Connection in Coquitlam School Threats This Week
The Coquitlam School District announced that two secondary schools have resumed normal operations following a brief hold-and-secure order this week. The schools affected were Centennial Secondary and Gleneagle Secondary. This action was initiated at the request of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who maintained a presence at both institutions for several hours.
RCMP Involvement in School Threats
Insp. Todd Balaban, the acting officer in charge of the Coquitlam RCMP, reassured the community during a Thursday press conference. He stated, “Students and staff of the Coquitlam School District are safe.” The prompt implementation of hold-and-secure protocols by the schools aided police in assessing the situation swiftly.
Prior Incidents and Ongoing Investigation
The hold-and-secure orders at Centennial and Gleneagle on Thursday followed similar incidents on the previous day. On Wednesday, eight schools in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam were also placed under lockdown due to multiple threats received by phone. An elementary school in Port Moody was similarly affected.
Insp. Balaban confirmed that these recent threats are interconnected, although he withheld specific details to protect the integrity of the investigation. “The nature of the alleged threats has varied,” he noted.
Community Response
In light of these incidents, a concerned parent, Sharon Perry, expressed her fears during a Global News interview. She shared her distress regarding repeated lockdowns, stating that it is frightening to receive messages indicating that children feel scared. “Your heart just stops,” she commented on the experience of seeing police presence and the large weapons they carried.
- Schools: Centennial Secondary, Gleneagle Secondary
- Other locations affected: Eight schools in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam, an elementary school in Port Moody
- Action: Hold-and-secure orders initiated on Wednesday and Thursday
Encouragement to Report Information
Insp. Balaban urged anyone with information about the threats to contact the police at 604-949-5054. He emphasized the seriousness of each threat, highlighting its impact on families.
As the community grapples with these incidents, the school district has been urged to improve communication with parents regarding safety protocols and updates. The safety of students and staff remains the district’s primary concern.
