Police responded to a 911 call that was dropped before details could be learned on Aug. 25, at approximately 4:30 p.m.
When the call was answered, the dispatcher heard someone say, “Bring me a gun” repeatedly.
Dispatchers were able to establish an approximate area that the call came from, but there were no further details about who made the call or an associated phone number.
Officers from the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment went to an area around the Long House on Tzouhalem Road and were given the full cooperation of participants at a ceremony taking place.
Police were able to confirm there was no active threat or risk to the public, then went door-to-door in the area canvassing for further information.
Though officers on scene were able to confirm the safety of participants at the event and nearby homes, they were not able to establish where the call originated from.
Calls to 911 are recorded and can often be traced.
However, for a more efficient response, police remind the community that callers should stay on the line until dispatchers can ask necessary questions and establish the needs of the caller.
“The goal of first responders is to help keep the community safe,” said Watch Commander Cpl. Kiel Pharis.
“We can ensure a quicker and more effective response when we have more details about the situations we’re dealing with.”
If a 911 call drops, 911 operators will attempt to call back and re-establish a connection.
“One of the most valuable pieces of information we can get from a caller is where they are,” Pharis said.
“If we don’t know where you are, we may have difficulties locating you, resulting in longer response times”.
In an emergency, call 911 to speak with police, fire, and ambulance.
If you have information about this incident, contact North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at cowichancrimestoppers.com to leave a secure tip online, or call 1-800-222-8477.
