RCMP investigating threats against unsanctioned Penticton high school graduation party

PENTICTON – Penticton RCMP are warning high school students and their parents after social media threats were made against an unsanctioned graduation party planned for tonight.

Penticton RCMP detachment commander Supt. Ted De Jager says in a media release police have received information about a youth making threats of a varied nature intending to cause problems at an annual graduation party on Carmi Road above the city planned for tonight, June 26. The unsanctioned event is known as known as a “Sunset Party”.

“I cannot comment on specifics, only to say this was immediately assigned an investigator and remains under investigation, which includes direct interaction with the youths involved,” De Jager says the release.

One comment on social media suggested several male youth intended to "shoot up Sunset."

De Jager says the Sunset Party is unofficial and not endorsed by the Okanagan Skaha School District, any public service agencies nor the RCMP.

He calls the party "a very dangerous undertaking."

“The location is purposefully remote, is out of range for most emergency services and is a sensitive area prone to risk of fire damage,” he said. "Over the last six to seven years, this party has directly resulted in one murder, several aggravated assaults, sexual assaults, numerous fights and assaults and high levels of intoxication in under age youth.  

"I am shocked that some parents even drive their children to this party and offer their tacit approval to these activities. Many of the attendees are over 19 years of age, are no longer associated to high school and provide liquor to youth in attendance.”

De Jager adds the RCMP endorses dry grad parties.

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