The Abbotsford Police Department is on the hunt for a suspicious male who entered Yale Secondary on Wednesday (Nov. 24).
The APD responded to a call from Yale staff about a male inside the school at around 9:30 a.m. and arrived at the school shortly thereafter with a large presence.
A student of Yale Secondary located the man within the school’s bathroom and immediately reported the discovery to school staff. At no time did the male suspect threaten any students or staff, but instead displayed the knife to show the student.
Both Yale Secondary and William A. Fraser Middle School were both put on lockdown for a brief period of time on Wednesday, with students moving to McMillan Elementary as a safe zone.
UNFOLDING EVENT: At 09:30 his morning Yale Secondary School staff contacted police reporting a suspicious male within the school. Yale Secondary School and surrounding schools were placed in lockdown. 1 of 2
— Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept) November 24, 2021
UNFOLDING EVENT: At 09:30 his morning Yale Secondary School staff contacted police reporting a suspicious male within the school. Yale Secondary School and surrounding schools were placed in lockdown. 1 of 2
— Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept) November 24, 2021
All available on-duty APD officers, with the assistance of RCMP Police helicopter Air 1, responded and conducted an extensive search of the school and surrounding areas, confirming the suspect had left, and no students were injured.
The News also heard reports that nearby Abbotsford Recreation Centre was also locked down. Old Yale Road was also blocked off before Highway 11 for a period of time.
The lockdown of the schools was lifted shortly after 11 a.m.
Investigators have confirmed that the suspect departed the area of Yale Secondary by vehicle and was dropped off at the intersection of Gladwin Road and South Fraser Way.
APD General Investigative Section has taken over this active investigation to determine the suspect’s motive. Investigators are asking the public for assistance in identifying the suspect, as well obtaining dashcam footage from those who may have been travelling in the area of South Fraser Way and Gladwin Roads between 09:30 and 11:30 am. Those with information are asked to call the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225.
UPDATE: All school lockdowns have now been lifted. All students are safe. No reported injuries. AbbyPD continues to search for the suspect who left the area by vehicle.
— Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept) November 24, 2021
UPDATE: All school lockdowns have now been lifted. All students are safe. No reported injuries. AbbyPD continues to search for the suspect who left the area by vehicle.
— Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept) November 24, 2021