RCMP investigating ‘unfounded’ threats at multiple schools around Coquitlam, B.C.

Threats that prompted hold-and-secure protocols at multiple schools were deemed unfounded, but Mounties are stopping short of calling it a swatting case.

Schools in and around Coquitlam, B.C., were placed under hold-and-secure protocols Wednesday afternoon while police investigated threats that have since been deemed unfounded.

Authorities received reports of a threat to a school on the 500 block of Poirier Street just before 12:30 p.m., according to local Mounties. Police did not name the school, but it was Centennial Secondary School—which was targeted by an unfounded threat last week.

“The school was immediately placed in a hold a secure and our frontline officers quickly responded to the scene,” a statement from the Coquitlam RCMP said.

“As this investigation was unfolding, Coquitlam RCMP received additional reports of alleged threats against schools in the cities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.”

No information about the nature of the threats, or the locations of the other schools were provided.

The hold-and-secure protocols were lifted around 4 p.m.

“We want to assure the public that every measure will be taken to identify the origins of these threats,” Insp. Veronica Fox said in the statement. “All of the affected schools have been cleared.”

However, a police presence was expected to remain at the affected schools, according to the Coquitlam RCMP.

Meanwhile, the Port Moody Police Department said officers responded to a threat against Glenayre Elementary School around 1:20 p.m. Port Moody shares a school district with Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.

“Officers attended and deemed the threat to be unfounded,” spokesperson Const. Sam Zacharias wrote in a statement.

“Of note, there were a series of threats made to District 43 schools this afternoon and we are working with our partners at Coquitlam RCMP to determine if the incidents are connected.”