Students’ ‘threats’ found to be false

Police say they investigated alleged threats at 2 Kelownaarea high schools this week, decided they were ‘not valid’

Alleged threats by students at Mount Boucherie Secondary School in West Kelowna and Kelowna Secondary School have been found to be “not valid” by Kelowna RCMP.

Police used the “not valid” wording because, in the case at Mount Boucherie earlier this week, a student made a joking comment that was taken out of context and fuelled fear.

“There is no credible threat,” Central Okanagan School District superintendent Kevin Kaardal said in a phone interview.

“It was an unfortunate comment made by a student to his friends. The RCMP and the school responded very quickly on the day and we’ve been working with the family ever since. It was a flippant comment taken out of context, but we still take it very seriously. Staff is working very hard to eliminate any fears and anxiety,” Kaardal said.

“This is an example of how social media can get out of control.”

In the case at Kelowna Secondary on Thursday afternoon, police became aware of the alleged threats, investigated and found them to be similarly “not valid.”

The police reported their findings to the school principal, teachers and staff.

In a news release, police did not elaborate on the identity of the student, the nature of the alleged threats or who started rumours.

However, on Thursday evening, the Kelowna RCMP’s 911 emergency lines were inundated with calls from concerned parents regarding rumours circulating on social media about a student making threats.

Police then made efforts to let the public know of their investigation and conclusions.

“The RCMP takes such information seriously and readily acted to fully investigate this matter,” said Staff Sgt. Brad Swecera.

“The RCMP would also like to caution the students and parents as to the risk of using social media to spread inaccurate information.”

When asked if students have more anxiety in the aftermath of the high school shooting three weeks ago in

Florida, in which 17 people were killed, Kaardal interjected.

“We’re Canada, not Florida. The media coverage heights all of that.

“There’s been one school shooting in all of Canada, that I’m aware of, and that was in Taber, Alta. Social media does have a life of its own.”

Kaardal is currently on a scheduled vacation but said he’s “connecting with schools and staff.”

He said assistant superintendents have been visiting Mount Boucherie Secondary.