WESTLOCK - All three Town of Westlock schools were placed in “hold and secure” around 10:25 a.m. today, June 15, as the Town of Westlock is reporting that the Westlock RCMP received a complaint of a suspicious man dressed entirely in camo carrying a backpack.
According to the town post, the RCMP are currently attempting to locate the man — a staffer at the Westlock RCMP Detachment said following a request to speak to Staff Sgt. Al Baird around 11:20 a.m. that it was “all hands on deck.” If the suspect is seen, they advise not to approach him and contact the RCMP at 780-349-4492 ext. 2.
"Something was seen sticking out of a backpack, but not sure what it was so all schools advised as we had reports of this male in different areas and times. No threats of any kind, schools advised out of caution," said Baird via e-mail at 12:19 p.m.
The schools are currently complying with the “hold and secure” and all staff and students are safe. The schools will remain in “hold and secure” until they receive further direction from the RCMP.
A posting from R.F. Staples School notes to “not come to the school and pick up your child. Staff and students are in no immediate danger. This is a precautionary measure to ensure their safety.”
RCMP have committed to providing updates to Pembina Hills School Division on this situation and as new information becomes available, it will be shared directly with parents and posted on www.pembinahills.ca. Although St. Mary School is also in “hold and secure” there is nothing posted as of 12:15 p.m., June 15, on its or the Evergreen Catholic School Division website regarding the situation.
SMS principal Vance Nakonechny said via e-mail that the "hold and secure" means they locked the doors and no one from outside was let in, while students continued to move through the school and attend regular classes.
UPDATE: 1 pm – As per RCMP direction, the hold and secure has now ended.
