Pipe bombs could be related, warn RCMP NO FURTHER REPORTS OF IEDS SINCE BACK-TO-BACK DISCOVERIES

MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com

An RCMP bomb squad disposed of two pipe bombs found in the Aberdeen neighbourhood on back-to-back days last week, and Kamloops police are asking residents to remain vigilant and report any further suspicious packages.

The first homemade explosive was found near the roadway in the 900-block of Greystone Crescent at about 7:30 p.m. on July 3. Police cordoned off the area, but did not evacuate any homes as they awaited the RCMP’s Explosives Disposal Unit that arrived at about 11 a.m. on July 4. A robot was used to confiscate the device.

Const. Tyler Folz with the RCMP’s Explosives Disposal Unit told KTW the improvised explosive device (IED) was placed in a bomb containment bag and transported to a remote area to render it safe.

Hours later, at about 9:15 p.m., and about a kilometre away, a resident in the 2100-block of Sifton Avenue found another pipe bomb along the side of the road. Police responded and again waited for the Explosives Disposal Unit to attend and dispose of the bomb, which occurred the following afternoon of July 5.

“Considering the similarities present, it’s not unreasonable to suggest these incidents could be related,” RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Crystal Evelyn said.

Police have not reported any further bombs being discovered in the week since the two IEDs were found.

Residents told InfoNews the first bomb was contained in a red grocery bag. A photo of the device shows a tube-like structure wrapped in tape. The second IED appeared to be a bottle of sorts, which a resident told CFJC-TV had gasoline in it, and was wrapped in tape with a wick sticking out of it. The investigation is ongoing, Evelyn said, and that includes further examination of whether or not the two incidents are connected, as well as motive.

Police units involved include the General Investigations Support Team, Forensic Identification Services Unit, Crime Reduction Unit and patrol officers.

Evelyn called upon the public to provide any information avail-

Police cordon off an area after another pipe bomb was found along the side of the road in the 2100-block of Sifton Avenue on July 5.

DAVE EAGLES/KTW

able about the incidents.

“Please take a few minutes to sift through security or dash cam footage captured over the last few days to see if anything appears that could be related, even if it seemed irrelevant at the time,” she said.

Evelyn asked the public to be vigilant and report anything that looks out of place so that it can be further investigated by police. Anyone with information or related footage is asked to contact the Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000.