New Westminster police have confirmed the threat of an explosive device prompted evacuations of a busy section of the city's downtown on Tuesday.
At around 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 8, the New Westminster Police Department was made aware of a “threat of an explosive device” at the New Westminster Law Courts at 651 Carnarvon St.
That threat soon triggered evacuations of the courthouse, Douglas College’s campus on Royal Avenue, and many residences and businesses in the area directly around the courthouse – temporarily displacing thousands of people from their homes, businesses and schools.
On Wednesday, police stated residents and businesses directly next to the courthouse were asked to leave out of an abundance of caution.
“Police worked methodically and carefully to search the area in and around the courthouse,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver in a news release. “The courthouse and neighbouring buildings are now open to the public. We’d like to thank residents for their cooperation as we worked to ensure their safety.”
At a 12:30 p.m. news conference near the site on Tuesday afternoon, the NWPD said the evacuations could be in place for several hours in response to the “dynamic” situation and asked for people’s patience while police worked to resolve the threat and ensure everyone’s safety. Around 2:15 p.m., the NWPD stated the courthouse and the surrounding area had been “cleared by police” and was once again open to the public.
In addition to the New Westminster Police Department, the British Columbia Sheriff Service, the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service, the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team, New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services, and BC Emergency Health Services paramedics responded to the threat.
More to come.
