Suspicious object in Coquitlam closes streets, forces evacuation of homes

Coquitlam RCMP shut down traffic in the area of Brunette Avenue and Schoolhouse Street Wednesday morning due to a suspicious object.

Police said officers closed the roads for four hours after a passerby spotted a “suspicious-looking homemade prop” lying in some grass by Brunette Ave.

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Nearby apartments were evacuated.

Cpl. Michael McLaughlin said officers have been on the scene since about 7:15 a.m.

“This is a reminder for everyone who owns realistic-looking explosives or firearms props, models, or similar items. You have to be very careful about leaving them in public,” McLaughlin said.

“This object was obviously homemade, but it looked similar to a real explosive and it had to be taken seriously. The result was a big inconvenience to anyone who lives or works nearby.”

— With files from Jon Azpiri