Police investigate reported threats in Chilliwack, leading to hold and secure at 2 local schools

CHILLIWACK – Police in Chilliwack say they investigated reported threats Monday morning that led to a hold and secure at a middle school, while an SD33 spokesperson says there were actually two schools in a hold and secure earlier today.

Chilliwack RCMP spokesperson Corporal Carmen Kiener says police investigated reported threats in the area near Mount Slesse Middle School.

Cpl. Kiener says officers engaged with Mount Slesse Middle School. Given the circumstances, a hold and secure was put in place.

“This was out of an abundance of caution, and officers have since determined the reported threats were unfounded,” Cpl. Kiener said.

Fraser Valley Today has obtained an email sent to parents from MSMS administrator Scott Millington, acting principal, confirming the school was placed in a hold and secure as a precautionary measure based on information received by the RCMP.

The message from Millington indicated the hold and secure was lifted after approximately 15 minutes (12:02 p.m.).

“At no time was there a threat to students, staff or our school community,” Millington wrote to parents in an email at 12:18 p.m. Monday. “The measure was taken out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with our safety procedures. We appreciate the cooperation of students and staff during this brief disruption. As always, the safety and well-being of our school community remains our highest priority.”

The email sent to Mount Slesse Middle School parents. (Image Credit: Anonymous.)

A parent provided a copy of the email to Fraser Valley Today.

SD33 spokesperson Amy Dhanjal says there were actually hold and secures at both Mount Slesse Middle School and Watson Elementary.

“Both have been lifted, and families were informed,” Dhanjal said in an email to Fraser Valley Today. “These are typically called in response to a safety concern in the neighbourhood.”