RCMP say someone left needle-filled lemons in Lower Mainland park

PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. – Mounties say they've had reports of two lemons full of sewing needles found tied to bushes along a trail in Port Coquitlam, B.C.

The first lemon was found June 22 tied with twine to a branch in Gates Park and a complaint was made to the city of Port Coquitlam.

Police say the second lemon was found July 14 on a trail near the Coquitlam River.

That discovery was reported in an email to the community police station, which was closed, and by the time police received the email, the evidence had been thrown away and an investigation was impossible.

Photos of the lemons show they were cut in half, the rinds skewered with long sewing needles, and each was tied to tree limbs.

RCMP Corp. Michael McLaughlin says one theory is that the person who left the lemons had no intention of hurting anyone, but it's hard to be sure until someone steps forward to explain.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2020.