In the early hours of the morning on Wednesday, June 6th, Port Coquitlam RCMP responded to reports of shots being fired; however, it turned out to be nothing more than firecrackers.
In response, law enforcement searched the Hyde Creek area from 4:30 AM to 9:30 AM to ensure it was safe.
In addition, three schools were affected by the police investigation. Specifically, these included the BC Christian Academy, Leigh Elementary School and Minnekhada Middle School.
Dog walkers and joggers were also turned back from regular routes during the investigation.
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Large amount of police in Chelsea Park in #PortCoquitlam @CTVVancouver @cbcnewsbc pic.twitter.com/4PxD1fRMNw
— Alex Harford (@alex_j_h) June 6, 2018
“If you’re going to use firecrackers, fireworks or other noisemakers, it’s important to think twice about the reaction you’ll get from residents and the police
,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with Coquitlam RCMP.
“We can’t ignore potential gunshots. There was a lot of worry and inconvenience for people who live nearby- not to mention the resources and money that went into this file
.”
Firecrackers in Coquitlam
Under the direction of the RCMP, the “Hold &Secure” status at @minnekhada Middle & @Leigh_Elem Elementary Schools has been lifted. Regular school day operations are now underway. Any changes to this status will again be communicated here & on school & district websites. #sd43
— School District 43 (@sd43bc) June 6, 2018
Eventually, regular school day operations were resumed as well as access to the surrounding areas.
If you see ever any suspicious activity in progress, call 911. To report a non-emergency, or tell police if you’re going to use bear-bangers or other noisemakers that could be confused for gunshots, call the Coquitlam RCMP non-emergency line at 604-945-1550.
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