A person wearing a clown mask allegedly accosted an Eke Me-Xi student on his way to school in Port Hardy on Thursday, Oct. 20.
The incident occurred on the trail between Seaview Drive and the Civic Centre, near the tennis courts.
The student, who was not seriously injured, reported the incident to Eke Me-Xi staff immediately upon arrival at school and police were called.
Port Hardy RCMP report the incident occurred shortly before 9 a.m.
An altercation ensued, which resulted in the masked person being struck several times when a weapon was produced.
Port Hardy RCMP Cpl. Stu Foster would not comment on the type of weapon used.
"I can't go into great detail, because it is an ongoing investigation."
This is not the first incident of 'Creepy Clown' activity in Port Hardy."We've had perhaps a couple of calls that were about clowns, however, this is the first one that we've investigated," said Foster.
"We're taking all reasonable and prudent steps to investigate this matter including using extra resources. I've called officers in to help out with the investigation," Foster said."
At this time, I do not believe there is a public safety concern."
Any time the RCMP receives a report of violence or weapons-related offences "we take the matter seriously," said Foster.
"We are continuing to investigate this occurrence and ask anyone with information to please contact the police" at 250-949-6335.
Superintendent of Schools Carol Robertson said in a press release that "protocol and procedures were followed and that student and staff safety in our schools were maintained at all times.
The RCMP have confirmed that there is no immediate threat to our students, staff or facilities."
With Halloween around the corner, RCMP typically "have extra resources in place to ensure the safety of the Port Hardy residents," Foster said.
The Eke Me-Xi Learning Centre is an alternative school on the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nation that offers individualized programs covering BC Secondary School core curriculum.
The 'Creepy Clown' trend, which began in the United States and has spread around the globe, sees internet pranksters wearing grotesque clown outfits terrorizing passersby before posting the footage on social media.