RCMP cordon off Justice Park in downtown Vernon for investigation June 23. (Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre

RCMP Investigation

UPDATE: Police investigate serious burn incident in Vernon park

Jun 23, 2023 | 9:43 AM

UPDATE 10:30 a.m.

Police are investigating after a person was found with serious burns in downtown Vernon Friday morning (June 23).

Mounties, along with BC Ambulance and Vernon Fire Rescue, were called to the 3000 block of 27th Street around 6:30 a.m. where a person was found badly burned.

“The adult victim suffered what are believed to be serious, life threatening injuries, and has been transported for medical treatment,” Const. Chris Terleski, media relations officer, said

Terleski said the cause has not been determined but early indications are the person sustained the injuries in Justice Park.

Council grants

Vernon to distribute over $50k in Council Discretionary Grants, $20K to the food bank

9h ago

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

Dec 13, 2025

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

Dec 13, 2025

Police officers are in the park conducting an investigation and taking pictures. (Vernon Matters photo)

“The area has been cordoned off and officers from our serious crimes unit and forensic identification services are continuing to collect evidence in support of the investigation,” Terleski said.

“We will also be canvassing local businesses for any video surveillance that could help in determining the circumstances leading to the person’s injuries.”

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or any suspicious activity leading up the person being injured, to contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at 250-545-7171.

An area across from Justice Park in front of the Okanagan Regional Library building is also sealed off by police as part of the investigation.

The sidewalk in front of the Vernon library on 30th Avenue, across from Justice park, is cordoned off. (Vernon Matters photo)

Vernon park and front of library sealed off by police
9:30 a.m.

There is a large police presence in part of downtown Vernon.

Police have cordoned off Justice Park off of 30th Avenue and the sidewalk in front of the Okanagan Regional Library building for an investigation.

The sidewalk in front of the Vernon library on 30th Avenue, across from Justice park, is also cordoned off. (Vernon Matters photo)

Officers were seen taking pictures in the park across from the courthouse.

Vernon Matters has reached out to Vernon North Okanagan RCMP for information.