Mounties arrested a 25-year-old Kelowna man they believe to be connected to an incident that amounted to the evacuation of six homes.
The Kelowna Mounties were called to the alley behind the 400 block of Wardlaw Avenue April 17 at 11:59 a.m. following the discovery of a suspicious abandoned backpack.
“Police attended the scene and carefully examined the bag and its visible contents which prompted a precautionary evacuation of six homes in the immediate vicinity of the bag,” said Const. Jesse O’Donaghey, in a press release.
Investigators consulted and engaged the Lower Mainland RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit, which arrived on scene shortly before 8 p.m. Emergency crews, including both the Kelowna Fire Department and BC Ambulance Service were on immediate standby while the specialized unit ensured the bag was safe.
“(The explosives unit) successfully rendered the package and its contents safe shortly before 10 p.m., at which point the evacuated residents returned to their homes” said O’Donaghey.
“The RCMP wish to thank the area residents directly affected by this incident, as well as the general public, for their patience while investigators safely handled the scene.”
Police have since identified a suspect allegedly connected to the backpack. He was subsequently arrested by RCMP in Merritt B.C., where he remains in police custody.”
The suspect, a 25-year-old Kelowna man, faces potential charges of mischief and unlawful possession of explosive materials. He is expected to appear before a Judicial Justice of the Peace later today.
