Comox Valley RCMP are asking people to stop spreading rumours about the threat of school violence — rumours police say are inflaming fear in the area.
“We urge the community to stop circulating unverified information,” police said in a statement. “While it is natural for rumours to grow, it’s important to recognize that this is much like a game of telephone — where details become increasingly distorted as they are passed along.
“These rumours are not helpful and serve only to inflame fear.”
The only substantiated report of threatened school violence came last week when police were told that a youth was headed to Mark R. Isfeld Secondary in Courtenay with a weapon.
That led to a brief lockdown at the school before the youth was located and arrested. No weapon was found.
Police said that suspect will be subject to strict bail conditions and close supervision if released from custody.
Anyone with credible information about an incident is asked to contact Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321, or report anonymously to Comox Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
