Grenades safely disposed of at Vernon RCMP detachment

Access to the Vernon RCMP station had to be restricted on Wednesday as officers disposed of what appeared to be two small hand grenades.

The RCMP told Vernon Matters a member of the public found the items while cleaning out a garage at approximately 11 a.m. April 10.

Local Mounties consulted with the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU), and the items were picked up by officers and taken to the detachment.

Police tape was set up around the station to ensure the safety of people in the area, and access to and from the building and parking lot were restricted.

Officers from the EDU arrived in Vernon at approximately 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and safely removed and dealt with the items, which were believed to be a type of WWII era grenades.

“We want to take this opportunity to remind the public that if you come across or find anything that may potentially be explosive or dangerous to please leave it alone and not handle or transport it,” Cst. Chris Terleski, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP’s media relations officer, said in an email to Vernon Matters.

“The best course of action is to call police so we can attend and deal with it in place.”