Two suspects are facing weapons-related charges after police found a replica firearm during a dramatic incident at Eastview Middle School on Tuesday afternoon.
Swarms of RCMP officers descended on the school at about 3:20 p.m. after it was reported three males, possibly armed with a gun, had gone into the school.
Eastview Middle School, along with surrounding schools, was put into lockdown.
“RCMP cleared the building and the suspects fled,” said police in a news release Wednesday. “Two of the three suspects have been apprehended and charged with firearms-related offences.”
The suspects are 16 and 17 years old. Police continue to investigate and look for a 15-year-old who is still at large.
RCMP said a replica firearm was found and they continue to search for the remaining suspect.
There were no injuries.
Hundreds of worried parents gathered outside the school, which was surrounded by RCMP vehicles while the lockdown was underway. Students were eventually allowed to leave the building, classroom by classroom.
Some parents, anxiously awaiting news on what was happening, could not help but think about the mass school shootings that so frequently plague the U.S.
Heather Wright said she was “terrified” as she waited for her Grade 6 child to come out safely.
“I was here at 3:15 p.m.,” said Wright. “I got word that they were in lockdown, and it was not a drill. And within minutes, I saw a swarm of police activity, cars out front, all around, labelled police cars around everywhere.
“I saw about 10 police officers with their rifles and bullet-proof vests.
“It looks like a scene from U.S.A. Never thought this would be in Red Deer,” said Wright.