A Mission restaurant was targeted in an attempted bombing last week, police confirmed on Tuesday, Aug. 17.
The Mission RCMP’s serious crime unit (SCU) is leading the investigation of an early-morning explosion that took place at Sangam Restaurant & Catering in the 32000 block of Lougheed Highway on Wednesday (Aug. 11), said Cpl. Jason Raaflaub, media officer with the detachment.
At 4 a.m. police received reports of the blast, and the scene was immediately secured by the responding officers.
CCTV footage collected by investigators shows a stolen vehicle stopping, two suspects throwing something through the window and driving off, Raaflaub said. An explosion detonated inside shortly afterwards, he said.
The blast blew out a window, and shattered glass was littered around the front entrance of the restaurant.
“Upon clearing the business, officers find what appeared to be a second device, consistent with either a smoke grenade or incendiary device, undetonated,” Raaflaub said.
The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Mission RCMP’s SCU and forensic teams and the Lower Mainland RCMP’s explosive disposal unit, police say.
A vehicle was discovered on fire in Abbotsford’s Matsqui flats at 4:30 a.m., according to Sgt. Judy Bird, media relations officer for the Abbotsford Police Department.
Raaflaub said this is likely the stolen vehicle used in the attempted bombing.
Rai Avenue was blocked by police vehicles for several hours that morning, and the scene was cordoned off with police tape.
Later that afternoon, Mission Fire Rescue Service was called over emergency scanners to assist with an explosive device, and witnesses reported seeing a heavy police presence return at that time.
The explosion was contained to the restaurant, and minimal damage occurred to the building, police said.
Investigators are still in the process of obtaining witness statements, canvassing for CCTV footage and processing the burnt-out vehicle, Raaflaub said.
No arrests have currently been made, and the Mission RCMP is working closely with Abbotsford Police to identify suspects, Raaflaub said.
The Mission RCMP is encouraging anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV footage to come forward to investigators.
A Mission house was also set on fire in the early-morning hours of Aug. 4, by suspects using some form of accelerant to ignite the blaze, Mission RCMP said.
The explosion is being investigated by the Mission RCMP’s Serious Crime Unit, forensic teams and the Lower Mainland RCMP’s Explosive Disposal Unit. Police say its too early to say if the restaurant was targeted. Patrick Penner photo.
