Police have a man in custody in the case that has been disturbing the Campbell River community since a release was issued late Tuesday night by the School District.
School District 72 (SD72) superintendent Tom Longridge issued the public message to the community – which was also emailed to all parents of children in the district – saying Campbell River RCMP were investigating a report of "an individual who has exposed themselves on more than one occasion near Timberline Secondary School."
The release was in response to a report received by police earlier in the day.
The suspect was described as a Caucasian male of average height and average build wearing a light brown hoodie on one occasion and a light brown or tan hoodie on another occasion.
"The instance (of exposure) was clearly deliberate," according a later RCMP release.
On Wednesday, police were conducting patrols of the area and received another report of suspicious activity near Timberline and responded, resulting in the apprehension of a male suspect who matched the description.
That suspect, who is known to police according to the later release, is being held in custody while the investigation continues.
The original SD72 letter to parents and the community said parents and guardians of children in the district were being encouraged to speak with their kids about this situation, adding, "school administration at Timberline, Penfield, Sandowne, Georgia Park and Southgate will be talking with students tomorrow (Wednesday) about this information, given their proximity to the area where these incidents have taken place."
When asked for comment on how the schools would be discussing the issue with the children, district communications and community engagement officer Jennifer Patrick said that would be up to each facility.
"It is left to the principal’s discretion as to how best to handle communications of this nature based on the circumstance and in consideration of the age of the students in their school," Patrick said. "Generally, the message would be limited to the contents of our communication to parents; making students aware, advising them to walk to and from school with a buddy, and stressing that they should call 911 or tell their school principal if they experience a similar encounter."
The RCMP announcement of the apprehension echoed the sentiments of the district's earlier release, adding that although the suspect in this case is in custody, the public should "remember simple safety rules and pass them on to youth; walk to school with a friend, take busy, visible or well-lit routes. If you see something suspicious report it to a teacher, principal, parent or police."
Anyone with information about this or any other offenses is being asked to contact Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).