RCMP have blocked the entrances to the parking lot in the 2700 block of 43rd Avenue as officers investigate a possible explosive device found in a vehicle. (Pete McIntyre/Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre

Vernon

UPDATE: Suspicious device in vehicle had potential to cause ‘serious injury’

Dec 13, 2023 | 3:15 PM

Police say a suspicious device found inside a vehicle in a Vernon parking lot contained explosive material, and had the potential to cause serious injury if activated.

The vehicle was parked near the Dollar Tree in the 2700 block of 43rd Avenue Tuesday morning (Dec. 12).

A 28-year-old Vernon man found passed-out inside the car is facing charges from the incident. He’s being held in custody until his next court date later this month.

The RCMP’s Explosives Device Unit rendered the item safe around 8:45 p.m. Tuesday.

“An examination of the device confirmed the presence of explosive material and that it likely had the potential to cause serious injury if activated,” Constable Chris Terleski, media relations officer, said. “Thankfully that wasn’t the case and we want to express our appreciation to the public for their assistance and co-operation as we worked to safely resolve the situation.”

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RCMP investigate explosive device found in vehicle on 43rd Avenue in Vernon. (Pete McIntyre/Vernon Matters photo)

After the item was discovered, officers closed off the parking lot to ensure the safety of the public.

The parking lot is across the street from Seaton Secondary, but it was not evacuated as RCMP told the School District the scene was secure and there was no threat to the community.

UPDATE: RCMP dispose of suspicious device found in vehicle

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP report that the suspicious device located in a vehicle in Vernon was safely disposed.

In a social media post, the local RCMP detachment said the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit officers had rendered the area safe and police cleared the scene just after 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11.

The incident remains under investigation.

— Original Story —

The RCMP’s explosives unit has been called to Vernon to deal with a suspected explosive device.

Police say the item was found inside a vehicle in the parking lot near Dollar Tree Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Media relations officer Const. Chris Terleski said RCMP received a report of a man passed-out behind the wheel of a vehicle in the 2700-block of 43rd Avenue around 10:30 a.m.

“The man, who is known to police, was found to be in violation of several conditions and was arrested without incident,” Terleski said. “While dealing with the man, the arresting officer located a suspected explosive device inside the vehicle.”

Officers immediately closed off the area to ensure the safety of the public and the RCMP’s Explosives Disposal Unit has been consulted.

“Frontline officers have established a safety cordon and we’re asking the public to please avoid the area, Terleski stated. “Our EDU [Explosives Disposal Unit] team is expected to arrive later today and the area will remain closed until they are able to examine and safely deal with the item.”

No other information is being released at this time.

The parking lot is across the street from Seaton Secondary.

School District 22 superintendent Dr. Christine Perkins told Vernon Matters the “scene is secure and RCMP have said there is no threat to community.”