Student arrested on mischief, threat charges

A Stelly’s Secondary School student was arrested after a report of a post on social media that showed a youth firing a weapon into a small target, accompanied by the caption “practicing for school.”

The teenager was arrested Monday and released on a promise to appear in court, along with a number of unspecified conditions that must be obeyed.

Charges including uttering threats and mischief are being recommended by Central Saanich police.

Police thanked members of the community who came forward with the information that allowed officers to act.

Michelle Joyce, a youth resource officer, said Central Saanich police thoroughly investigate all reports of threats made against schools and the community.

Central Saanich police Sgt. Andy Duke said parents should speak to their children about the proper use of social media. “I think it’s a sensible discussion to have.”

Young people don’t always realize how quickly posted items can spread, Duke said.

On March 1, reports of a masked person in bushes near Bayside Middle School led to a lockdown at the site. The person was reported to be holding something shiny, but no gun was actually seen. A search involving the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team and a police dog did not turn up anything.

That was followed March 2 by a 15-year-old being arrested near Cowichan Secondary School in connection with a threat. The incident led to a brief lockdown at that school.

The youth, who is not a student at the school, could face charges of uttering threats.

Duke said people are bound to have greater awareness about such events after tragedies like the Feb. 14 shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida.

“I think for the school population, there’s definitely a heightened level of anxiety following the incident.”

Duke said police work well with local schools.

“We have a very close-knit relationship with the schools in the municipality, so we’re working hand-in-hand with them.”