Suspicious device safely dealt with by police

RCMP confirm a suspicious device found inside a vehicle in Vernon on Tuesday contained explosive material.

On Tuesday, December 12th, around 10:30 a.m., frontline officers from the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP responded to a report of a man passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle in the parking lot of a business in the 2700-block of 43rd Avenue in Vernon. During the arrest, police discovered what was suspected to be an explosive device inside the vehicle. To ensure the safety of the public, the area was cordoned off and the RCMP Explosives Device Unit (EDU) was called to assist. Later that evening, at approximately 8:45 p.m., EDU officers rendered the item safe in place.

An examination of the device confirmed the presence of explosive material and that it likely had the potential to cause serious injury if activated, states Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. 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.

The 28-year old Vernon man was remanded into custody until his next scheduled court appearance later in December.