An altercation where a youth pulled out a large knife at Nanaimo District Secondary School led to the building being placed in hold-and-secure mode for about 15 minutes on Monday.
A teacher called 911 to report that students and a youth who was not enrolled at the school were involved in the incident, which happened about 11 a.m. Monday.
In a video of the incident, the youth — hood pulled up and wearing a mask — waves a large knife, before putting it back in its sheath. He is then attacked by another youth who knocks him to the ground and removes his jacket. At that point, his face revealed, he pulls the knife out again.
A teacher intervenes and the youth is seen fleeing down the hallway. He was not immediately located. School officials then instituted the hold-and-secure mode, where exterior doors are locked and students stay in their classrooms until directed otherwise.
The youth was arrested nearby without incident about 30 minutes later.
A police dog was brought in and a knife believed to be linked to the incident was found.
A 15-year Nanaimo youth was later turned over to his parents and released on an undertaking with conditions. The youth is facing a count of assault with a weapon, and is due to appear July 6 in Nanaimo provincial court.
At least one video of the incident has been forwarded to a number of media outlets, said Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien.
“Investigators are asking anyone who has video evidence to please contact their school liaison officer or the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.”
Nanaimo RCMP Youth Team officers will be at the school tomorrow to deal with any concerns of students and parents.
