UPDATE: Bomb squad disposes of suspicious item near gas station

The RCMP’s bomb squad has taken care of a suspicious item found in a normally busy area of Vernon.

The object, which was not believed to be viable, was safely removed from an alleyway by the Vernon Esso on 32nd Street by the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU).

The item, which Mounties say resembled an explosive device, was reported to police by a citizen on Sunday night in the 3400-block of 32nd Street which led to the area being cordoned off and the EDU was called in.

The specialist team arrived at the site Monday afternoon and after examining the object, they removed and disposed of it without any damage or injury. The area has since been reopened to public access.

“We would like to thank the public for the patience and cooperation in allowing this situation to be resolved safely,” said Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.

The incident is under investigation and anyone with information related to the device is asked to call the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at (250) 545-7171.

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UPDATE: Police using caution with ‘suspicious item’
Oct 4, 2021 | 5:00 PM

RCMP have not provided an update on the suspicious item found near a Vernon gas station on 32nd Street or if the Explosive Disposal Unit has arrived to deal with the item.

Vernon Matters has requested an update from RCMP.

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The RCMP’s so-called ‘bomb squad’ is being brought in to deal with a suspicious item just off the highway through Vernon.

On Sunday October 3, just after 9 p.m., the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP received a report of suspicious item in 3400-block of 32nd Street (Highway 97) at the Esso station. A member of the public found the cyclindrical device in an alleyway and immediately reported it to police.

Local officers, who were not immediately able to determine the nature of the object, cordoned off the area to ensure the safety of the public, and contacted the BC RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) for assistance.

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