Investigation Update
Comox Valley

2023-04-21 17:57 PDT

File # 2023-5866

Police have concluded their search of an area in Courtenay after a student reported seeing a man with a long gun in the woods near Lake Trail School just before dismissal.

The report came in at approximately 2:20pm when a student reported to school staff that she had seen a man in Roy Stewart Morrison Nature Park with a long gun. Initially, the student also reported hearing two shots fired. The school went into hold and secure while surrounding schools were notified and police rushed to the area.

Police conducted an exhaustive search of the park and surrounding neighbourhood with assistance from Police Dog Services, the Emergency Response Team and Air Services (the RCMP helicopter) – the man has not been located and no additional reports were received involving similar circumstances or shots fired.

Once police were able to determine there was no active threat in the park or surrounding area, students were dismissed, said Cst. Monika Terragni, Media Relations Officer, Comox Valley RCMP. We would like to thank the media and the public for being patient and respectfully sharing our message on social media, she added.

The witness described the man as mixed race and wearing boots. She was not able to describe his clothing or anything more about him at the time of the report. She reported that the man did not say anything to her and did not make any threats toward her.

Police will remain in the area for some time to continue investigating - they will be speaking with neighbourhood residents and are asking anyone who was in the park or the area between 1:30pm and 2:30pm to call Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321 and report anything suspicious.

Released by

Cst. Monika Terragni

Media Relations Officer
Comox Valley RCMP
800 Ryan Rd, Courtenay, BC V9N 7T1
Office: 250-338-1321
Fax: 250-338-6781
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.