A Red Deer school was briefly evacuated after someone made a bomb threat over the telephone.

Police were notified of the threat made to Central Middle School just before 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, said Red Deer RCMP.

“All staff and students are safe, and police continue to investigate,” RCMP said in a press release.

“RCMP are asking parents and residents to avoid the area and await communication from the public-school board for further direction.”

About an hour after the threat was made, police announced a suspect was identified and located – Red Deer RCMP was “in contact” with that individual, according to a media release issued around 11 a.m.

RCMP officers cleared Central Middle School and determined there was no risk to staff or students, who began returning to the building to resume classes, at the direction of Red Deer Public Schools’ board of trustees.

“The Red Deer RCMP would like to thank the public school board, the students, staff and the public for their co-operation,” police said.

RCMP continues to investigate the incident.

Central Middle School principal Amanda Wilson sent a statement to the families of students following the incident on Thursday morning.

“Earlier this morning, students and staff at Central Middle School were safely evacuated to Gaetz United Church on the advice of the RCMP following a bomb threat,” Wilson said in the letter.

“Red Deer RCMP have identified and apprehended a suspect, and the school was searched. It was deemed safe by the RCMP for students and staff to return. Staff and students are safely returning to school. Teaching and learning will continue as normal this afternoon.”

Wilson also thanked students and staff members for their “quick response and co-operation.”

Central Middle School serves more than 590 students in Grades 6-8 and is located in the city’s downtown.

Send your news tips
Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter