Chemainus student arrested after Snapchat threat

A 17-year-old from Ladysmith is facing charges

A 17-year-old Ladysmith youth has been arrested and is facing charges after posting a threat on Snapchat directed at his classmates at Chemainus Secondary.

“In the post, a youth was shown holding a handgun, later determined to be an airsoft gun, and stating something to the effect of ‘Don’t go to school today,'” said Island District RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Tammy Douglas.

Both the Ladysmith and North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are investigating the threat.

Douglas said there was no danger at the school but police would be a visible presence at Chemainus Secondary “to provide support and ensure that the students feel safe.”

The RCMP encourage parents to speak with their children about the consequences of making threats. Threats are taken very seriously by police and school officials and will be followed up on.

Cowichan Valley Citizen