Purpose of ‘sophisticated’ explosive device found near highway not known

UPDATE:

March 1, 2023

Police are hoping vehicles with video systems may be able to help their probe into the explosive device found beside Highway 97 on Monday (Feb. 27).

Mounties are asking people to review their dashcam video if they were travelling westbound on Cooper Road between 12 a.m. and 12 p.m. this past Monday.

Officers are trying to find out who may have left the potentially-explosive device at the side of the highway in the busy business area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP at 250-762-3300 and reference the file number 2023-10835.

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Original story

RCMP are trying to determine why an explosive device was found at the side of the highway in a busy business area of Kelowna

Police responded to a call about a possible pipe bomb located on the north side of Highway 97 near the Orchard Park Mall at Cooper Road Monday, Feb. 27. Highway 97 (Harvey Ave.) was closed from Spall Road to Hardy Road and some businesses were evacuated.

The Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) was called in from the Lower Mainland to deal with the device, officially called an improvised explosive device (IED).

“The initial investigation has shown that the IED is not linked to any other incidents throughout the city or province and there is no evidence that this was a targeted event, however the RCMP takes this matter very seriously,” Inspector Beth McAndie told a news conference on Tuesday. “The IED appears to be sophisticated but the purpose of it, is not known. Further forensics are taking place and we are in the infancy of our criminal investigation.”

The explosives team safely removed the IED Monday night and is conducting tests to determine the contents and a possible purpose of the device.

The IED was reportedly spotted by a passerby.

McAndie thanked the public and community for their support in staying away from the area while the incident was underway.

“We know the extensive road closures were impactful to our citizens, however our top priority is keeping the public safe,” McAndie added.

The inspector said there is no evidence that it was a targeted event.