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Explosives Scare in Kelowna Leads to Charges Against Local Man
Authorities in Kelowna, British Columbia, have arrested a 61-year-old man following a serious incident involving explosives that resulted in a lengthy closure of the William R. Bennett Bridge across Okanagan Lake earlier this year. The situation unfolded when the individual parked a white panel van in a way that obstructed traffic and raised alarm with threatening online comments regarding the vehicle’s contents.
In a statement released on January 27, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detailed the events leading to the bridge closure, which lasted approximately 11 hours. According to Kelowna RCMP Insp. Chris Gable, the man expressed concerning thoughts about his well-being and ignited a fire inside the van, which was promptly extinguished by firefighters.
Gable highlighted that the vehicle was deemed a significant risk due to its potentially harmful contents as described in the man’s communications. Explosives experts were called in to assess the situation before the van could be cleared from the bridge.
Following negotiations, emergency responders persuaded the man to exit the vehicle, after which he was taken to a local hospital for evaluation. Upon his release, he was taken into custody and appeared in court the same evening.
The man now faces a total of 11 charges, which include serious offenses such as arson, making or possessing explosives, and assaulting a police officer, in addition to uttering threats. The RCMP confirmed that he will remain in custody until his next court date scheduled for April 3.
Public Safety Concerns
This incident has raised significant safety concerns among the local community and emphasizes the critical need for protocols around handling potential explosives-related threats. Law enforcement continues to remind the public of the importance of reporting any suspicious activities to prevent similar situations in the future.
Source
globalnews.ca