UPDATE: Pipe bomb found in Vernon had ‘potential to cause serious injuries’: RCMP

UPDATE 12:30 p.m.

RCMP have confirmed that a suspicious device found in Vernon’s north end was indeed dangerous and had the potential to cause serious injuries.

A member of the public found what they believed to be a pipe bomb on the railway tracks in the 4500 block of 31st Street Wednesday afternoon (June 14).

The area was cordoned off and nearby businesses were evacuated as a precaution and the RCMP explosives device unit (EDU) was called to assist.

At around 9:15 p.m., EDU officers rendered the device safe at the scene.

“Once the device was rendered safe, an examination of the contents was completed which confirmed the presence of explosive material,” Const. Chris Terleski, media relations officer, said.

“The device was believed to be viable and had the potential to cause serious injuries to anyone in the immediate vicinity had it been activated.”

Terleski said police are thanking the business owners, staff and the public for their patience and co-operation as officers worked to safely resolve the situation.

“As well, we want to recognize the person who discovered the device for doing what we hope anyone would do; taking it seriously and immediately notifying police.”

It was the second suspicious device found in Vernon this week after another was found Monday in Justice Park across from the courthouse.

“Based on the findings of the investigation into this, as well as the other device discovered in Justice Park earlier in the week, there is no evidence to indicate the incidents are related, nor do they appear to be targeted,” Terleski stated.

The investigations into both incidents are continuing.

RCMP to update suspicious device investigation in Vernon
9:30 a.m. June 15, 2023

No update as yet from RCMP on the possible explosive device that was discovered in Vernon’s north end on Wednesday afternoon (June 14).

Vernon Matters has reached out to Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media relations officer Chris Terleski for information.

After receiving reports of something suspicious found in an open area in the 4500-block of 31st Street, police cordoned off the area, evacuated area businesses, and closed the road.

At last update, the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit was being called in to deal with the item.

Original story

RCMP investigating possible explosive device in Vernon

Police have closed off a road in Vernon’s north end after receiving reports of a suspicious and possibly explosive device.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP say officers responded to the 4500-block of 31st Street after receiving reports of the device in an open area around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 14.

Officers cordoned off the area, evacuated several nearby businesses, and closed 31st St. between 45th and 47th Avenues.

“The area will remain cordoned off until officers with the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit have safely examined, and dealt with the item if necessary,” Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, stated.

“We are urging members of the public to avoid the area as we await the arrival of our EDU Team at the scene later this evening.”