A large police response near a Campbell River elementary school last Friday morning was triggered by reports of a shooting and a possible kidnapping, but investigators later determined the incident was unfounded.

Campbell River RCMP say officers were called to a home on 7th Avenue just after 7:15 a.m. on June 5 following reports that a shot had been fired and someone had been abducted.

The RCMP Emergency Response Team was also called in.

Police later learned a witness had set off a bear banger in an attempt to attract attention and have someone call 9-1-1 because he did not have a cell phone and believed a kidnapping had taken place.

After speaking with witnesses and investigating the complaint, RCMP determined there had been no kidnapping.

Police say the witness has since been provided with any medical care he may require.

The incident prompted a temporary police presence near École des Deux Mondes, with traffic restrictions affecting the morning school drop-off.

School District 72 advised parents that the police matter was unrelated to the school and kept bus students on board longer before delivering them safely to campus.

Some students were temporarily held at École Phoenix Middle School.

By mid-morning, the police presence had been lifted, traffic had returned to normal, and school activities resumed as usual.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221.