Victoria police officers recovered a replica firearm and took an individual into custody during a Thursday morning incident that led to a lockdown at Quadra Elementary School.
The Victoria Police Department responded to an unconfirmed report of a man with a firearm in the area near Quadra Elementary School on Sept. 17.
Just after 9 a.m., Greater Victoria School District and police said the school was in lockdown as was a nearby educational building, known as the Quadra Warehouse. Area residents and businesses were notified and asked to remain indoors. The public was also asked to avoid the 2500-block of Quadra Street.
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After searching the area, officers found a replica handgun inside a vehicle. The owner of the vehicle confirmed he had shown the replica firearm to a coworker. VicPD officers seized the replica and took a “person of interest” into custody. The incident remains under investigation.
Police treat all firearms “as though they are real, functional weapons until they can be otherwise determined to be replicas,” VicPD said in a written statement. Officers ask that those who own or use replica firearms exercise caution when transporting them.
VicPD also commended the students, teachers and administrators for their quick response to the incident.
Public Notice (9:37 a.m.) – Quadra Elementary is currently in a lockdown due to a potential threat in the community. More details to follow. @vicpdcanada #yyj
— Greater Victoria SD (@sd61schools) September 17, 2020
