Students and staff at an elementary school in North Delta were ordered to shelter in place Tuesday afternoon.
In a letter to parents from Pinewood Elementary principal James Hope, he noted that at approximately 1 p.m. they had a report of a person with a weapon in Watershed Park, close enough for some students to view.
Those students immediately reported it to the supervisors and safety procedures were implemented, he said.
Students were returned to the safety of the building and Delta police responded in a timely and effective manner, he explained, noting police were able to resolve the situation and advise the school to end the shelter in place.
A shelter in place order is used when personal safety is considered to be in danger if anyone leaves the school.
“I am very proud of how the students and staff responded to the situation. I have checked with all the classes to make sure everyone is ok and reassured them they are safe. Our school and community continues to be a safe place. You may have some questions from your children. It is important to reassure them that the problem has been resolved and that their school and community are safe,” wrote Hope.
The incident was reported as a man having what appeared to be a knife, but it turned out to be a teen with a tool, according to Delta police.
The matter is being dealt with and not considered criminal, police say.
