Bomb squad called in to deal with suspected pipe bomb

Traffic was detoured around part of Highway 97 through Kelowna overnight after an apparent pipe bomb was found in a vehicle pulled over by police.

“On November 5 at approximately 3:15 a.m., a frontline RCMP officer conducted a traffic stop with a red Toyota Echo along Harvey Avenue (Highway 97) near Ambrosi Street in Kelowna. The driver, who was positively identified by police and found to be a prohibited driver, was taken into police custody without incident,” said RCMP Cpl. Meghan Foster.

While the 38-year-old male driver from Surrey was being arrested, the officer spotted what appeared to be a home-made explosive device.

“As a precaution vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area was diverted away from the man’s vehicle, until police could appropriately consult with the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit in Vancouver,” said Foster.

Foster said the vehicle was moved to a safe location to allow the ‘Bomb Squad’ to safely remove and dispose of the item.

The suspect faces potential charges, and is expected to appear in court Tuesday.