Amherst police say no weapons found after reports of person with gun

Police in Amherst, N.S., say no weapons were foundTuesday after officers received reports of a person potentially carrying a gun,prompting a public emergency alert.

Thealert wasissued bythe province shortly before 1:30 p.m., advising people inthe areaof Church Street and East Pleasant Street to remain in their houses as police searched the area for a person on a bicycle wearing what appeared to be a bulletproof vest.

Amherst Regional High School, Spring Street Academy, EB Chandler Juniorand West Highlands School were temporarilyputinto hold and secure mode.

About 10 minutes after the alert was issued, police said they had located a person of interest and were continuing to investigate. There was no danger to the public, they added.

On Wednesday, police said the person of interest was a youth whoappeared to have a firearm strapped to his vest.Upon investigation, however, police said they did not uncover any firearms or ammunition.

MORE TOP STORIES