(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)

Two suspects have been arrested for carrying a fake gun near a Vernon-area high school yesterday morning.

Police responded to a weapons report in the area of Kalamalka Secondary School in Coldstream, at around 10:30 a.m. yesterday, Nov. 7, according to an RCMP media release.

Officers were operating under the assumption the individuals were in possession of a firearm on or near school property. As a precaution, the school initiated a hold a secure while police investigated.

Two individuals were arrested. Their identities have not been disclosed by police. It's also not clear if they were students.

Police uncovered the weapon, which was found to be an imitation firearm, likely a pellet gun.

“At this time, there has not been any information or evidence collected that would substantiate any credible threat to the students or the school,” Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. Chris Terleski said in a press release. “The incident remains under investigation and we are working closely in partnership with School District 22.”

The two suspects have since been released from custody on with conditions pending a future court appearance.

Police are reminding the public that possessing fake guns in public can prompt a real police response and that using or having an imitation firearm in a public place can have serious consequences.

“Airsoft, paintball and pellet guns can all be made to closely resemble real firearms. This creates a huge safety concern for both the public and our officers who treat all firearms as real until proven otherwise,” Const. Terleski said.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP directly at 250-545-7171 and reference file number 2023-19624.

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