UPDATE: Vernon RCMP evacuate residents, close street after suspected bomb discovered

Vernon RCMP have shut down several blocks of 24 Avenue following the discovery of an object that appeared to be a bomb.

A cleaning crew found the device while clearing out an apartment in the 3700 block of 24 Avenue earlier this morning, Oct. 28.

A source, who didn’t want to be named, told iNFOnews.ca that the device looked like a bomb.

They said the roughly 10-inch cylindrical object contained batteries, wires, tape and a pressure gauge.

The device was discovered in an apartment at 3710 24 Ave. Police have closed off 24 Avenue between 36 Street and 39 Street. A police officer at the scene told iNFOnews.ca a suspicious package had been discovered.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP later said in an email that nearby residents had been evacuated and police had established a containment area around the location.

"Investigators engaged the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit and the area will remain cordoned off until the Explosive Disposal Unit team arrives to assess the situation and deal with the device appropriately," Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media liason officer Const. Chris Terleski said.

— This story was updated at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, to include information from RCMP.

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