Police were called to Seaquam Secondary Friday after someone sprayed an unknown substance in the air outside the school, irritating some students' eyes.
In an email sent June 6, principal Mark Robinson advised parents of an incident that, although no students were harmed, was "cause for concern."
Robinson said that around lunchtime, an unknown vehicle drove through the parking lot, sprayed something in the air and left shortly after.
"Some students reported eye irritation and were supported by our student first responders," Robinson said.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we contacted the Delta Police, who are following up on the incident and speaking with those who may have witnessed the event."
In an email to the Reporter, DPD media relations officer Staff Sgt. Mike Whiteley confirmed details of the incident, noting the substance spayed in the air is believed to have been bear spray.
"Students in the area were not directly affected, but some complained of minor effects from cross-contamination," Whiteley said. "No serious injuries occurred, and the parties did not require any medical intervention.
Whiteley said the incident was targeted incident and there is currently no risk to the students or the public, adding the investigation is ongoing.
Robinson, in in his email to parents, advised all students be vigilant, not approach people they don't know, and report anything they see that is out of the ordinary or cause for concern.
"Please rest assured that our students' safety remains our greatest priority. Thank you for your support as we work to keep our school and community safe."
Whiteley said Friday's incident is unrelated to another two weeks ago that resulted in Seaquam and adjacent Cougar Canyon Elementary being placed in a "hold and secure."
Just before 2 p.m. on Monday, May 26, Delta police received a report of a possible planned fight in the area of Seaquam Secondary.
In a press release issued later that afternoon, police say five male youths observed wearing ski masks on school property fled when seen by school staff.
Shortly afterwards, a DPD officer observed a group of youth in the area and saw one of the boys discard a weapon before fleeing.
"Due to the possibility of a weapon, Seaquam Secondary School and Cougar Canyon Elementary were placed into a hold and secure until police could determine the nature of the incident," the DPD said in its press release.
A K-9 search of the area located an airsoft pistol in the bushes.
The hold and secure was lifted "a short time" after it was put in place, at which point police "conducted a co-ordinated release of the schools."
According to the school district’s emergency procedures, a “hold and secure” is used whenever there is a security concern outside of school in the surrounding neighbourhood. Staff bring everyone into the school and keep them there, locking exterior doors and closing the blinds on all windows. No one is allowed to enter or exit the building, but classes and other regular activities continue inside the school.
While “lockdown” is commonly — but incorrectly — used by many to describe heightened security situations in schools, the term only truly applies when there is an active threat of violence inside a school. In such cases, staff immediately secure their rooms, stop all activities and direct students to hide, keep quiet and not open doors.
For more information on "hold and secure," visit deltasd.bc.ca/district/delta-schools-emergency-procedures.
