UPDATE 9:20 p.m.
RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit officers have rendered the area safe and police have cleared the scene.
“We want to thank the public for their patience and co-operation as we worked to safely resolve the situation,” said media relations officer Const. Chris Terleski.
The incident remains under investigation.
Update: 1:20 p.m.
Vernon police have confirmed they are investigating a suspected explosive device that was found inside a vehicle in a 43rd Avenue parking lot Tuesday morning, and an arrest has been made.
The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP received a report of a man passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle in the parking lot at 2707 43rd Avenue around 10:30 a.m. Dec. 12. The man, who is known to police, was found to be in violation of several conditions and was arrested without incident, police said in a media release around 1:15 p.m.
While arresting the man, an officer noticed what police believe to be an explosive device inside the vehicle. Officers immediately closed off the area to ensure the public’s safety while the RCMP’s Explosives Disposal Unit was consulted.
Frontline officers have established a safety cordon and we’re asking the public to please avoid the area,
said Const. Chris Terleski, media relations officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. Our EDU 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.
Staff at a business in the parking lot said a large police presence arrived around 11 a.m. and told them they would be at the scene for a few hours.
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Original:
A large parking lot has been taped off by police Tuesday morning.
Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, bylaw and Vernon Fire Rescue have the lot at 2707 43rd Avenue blocked with vehicles and crime scene tape.
The lot is home to a number of businesses, including the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, BDM Motorsports, the old Soul Studio and Dollar Tree.
The Dollar Tree remains open and staff said police showed up around 11 a.m. to cordon off the area.
Police have blocked off a parking lot on 43rd Avenue in Vernon due to what is believed to be the presence of suspected explosive device. #yourvernon #vernon pic.twitter.com/DTRuVZIZij
— Vernon Morning Star (@VernonNews) December 12, 2023
Another neighbouring business worker was told there is a suspected explosive device in a vehicle and the area will be blocked off for a few hours.
The Morning Star has reached out to RCMP for further details, which will be posted - check back.
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