Oak Bay High School was put in a hold-and-secure Friday morning after a report of a person near the school twirling what appeared to be a black handgun.
Oak Bay police said the department requested the hold-and-secure, which involves locking the exterior doors while classes continue as normal, around 11 a.m. after receiving a report of a suspicious person on a bench in nearby Bowker Park. Both the high school and attached child care facilities were affected.
The person was described as an Asian boy, approximately 16 years old with long black hair and wearing a grey jacket and light-coloured pants.
Police searched Bowker Creek Park and surrounding areas but did not find the youth.
The hold-and-secure ended about 12:40 p.m. following the search.
In a letter to parents, Oak Bay High principal Shawn Boulding said police officers “walked through the school to ensure the building was safe and secure.”
He said situations like this “can be traumatic for some,” and encouraged parents to reach out to the school should any students require additional support.
