Several schools in North Langley were placed on lockdown after a report of a weapon turned out to be a false alarm.
Early Friday morning, Langley RCMP rushed to Walnut Grove Secondary School for a report of a man carrying a rifle at the school.
Langley School District posted on their website that the lockdown started at about 9:15 a.m.
Cpl. Craig van Herk says initial reports to police indicated a man, not a child, entered the front door and was seen with what appeared to be a rifle.
"The school was immediately locked down and secured while numerous police resources rushed to the school,” says van Herk.
A search began immediately at the school. That's when officers learned the man could have just been a staff member bringing in a prop for an upcoming Remembrance Day ceremony.
"After several minutes, a decommissioned rifle was located and a staff member responsible for it was identified,” says van Herk.
Other schools in the area were put on lockdown out of an abundance of caution.
"As always, the quick response of students, staff and the RCMP was appreciated,” reads the statement from the district. "Students and staff should be commended for their calmness and cooperation.”
Langley RCMP officers were at the school to communicate with staff, students and parents.
