Coquitlam RCMP are investigating what appears to be a bullet hole in a ground-floor window of the new Centennial secondary school but say there is no safety risk to staff and students.
“It’s important for us to get out there’s no immediate danger to students and staff,” said Cpl. Mike McLaughlin. “If that changes we will let you know.”
Monday morning the bullet hole was discovered and several police officers were on site looking for evidence and canvassing neighbors.
However, it’s not known exactly when the shot may have been fired.
McLaughlin could only say that it occurred sometime between Friday and Monday morning.
A similar incident occurred at Byrne Creek secondary school in Burnaby, but McDonald said there is as yet no evidence to suggest the two shootings are related.
“A lot of people on Twitter like to make connections, we don’t jump to conclusions,” McLaughlin said.
However, the Tri-City News’ sister paper, the Burnaby Now, reported that the Burnaby RCMP are investigating possible connections between the incidents.
“We don’t know yet, but we’re working with the investigators at the Coquitlam detachment to ascertain that. We’ve had phone calls back and forth,” said Staff Sgt. Major John Buis.
In Burnaby, the school was evacuated but classes are now back in session.
The shots were fired into the front entrance of Byrne Creek and were found by staff at the school this morning. No one was in the school at the time of the incident.
“Shootings at a school during off hours. We have nothing else just yet, but through our investigative process, that’s one of the things we’d like to know, if they are connected,” Staff Sgt. Major Buis further added.
At Centennial, the vandalism appears to be a first for the new $61 million school that opened to 1,400 students in September, replacing an older building next door that will soon be demolished.
School District 43 has confirmed that RCMP are investigating an incident that took place over the weekend in which at least one shot was fired in the area and a bullet struck the school.
"We are working closely with the RCMP, who have been onsite throughout the day. This matter is jointly our number one priority. At this time, the RCMP has indicated that there is no significant danger to students or staff," stated SD43 communication manager Peter Chevrier in an email to The Tri-City News.
He further added that the school is communicating with parents, students and staff about the incident. "The safety of our students and staff is of utmost importance. Centennial Secondary is a safe and welcoming school and we work every day to ensure it remains that way."
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550.
