An Oliver residence that recently appeared to be the target of a car bomb, is once again the subject of suspicious circumstances.
Just after midnight on Sunday, a woman called RCMP to complain someone had sprayed an irritating substance into her home, which turned out to be bear spray. A 19-year-old Oliver man was arrested for break and enter and commit mischief/assault related offences.
Sgt. Ken Harrington, area commander for the Oliver detachment, said initial scene investigation at the 59-year-old woman’s residence, located in the 600 block of Earle Crescent, resulted in the location of a canister of bear spray, wrapped in electrical tape, in close proximity to the house. The occupant was subsequently treated by paramedics for exposure to the chemicals.
“This residence was subject to much media attention as a result of an exploded IED complaint, reported on Aug. 12. At this point it does not appear that the two incidents are related,” said Harrington.
RCMP said a improvised explosive device appeared to have been placed under a vehicle that was parked behind the home and subsequently suffered “significant damage” to its rear wheels and undercarriage as a result of the blast in August. A chunk of metal from the explosion projected through an exterior wall of a nearby garage. A second garage was also hit with shrapnel. The RCMP bomb disposal unit from the Lower Mainland was called to the residence to assist with the investigation.
The male suspect in the bear spray incident was released and is next scheduled to appear in provincial court on Oct. 2 in Penticton.
