UPDATE: A traffic stop in Kelowna early Tuesday led to the bomb squad being called in and a Surrey man being arrested.
According to Kelowna RCMP, the incident unfolded at approximately 3:15 a.m., when an officer pulled over a red Toyota Echo along Highway 97, near Ambrosi Street.
Police say the officer spotted a suspicious device in the vehicle and that the driver, who was allegedly prohibited from operating a motor vehicle, was taken into custody.
Traffic along Highway 97 was temporarily rerouted around the vehicle until it was taken to a nearby field.
“During his interaction with the driver, the officer spotted what appeared to be a home-made pipe bomb,” said RCMP Cpl. Meghan Foster.
“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.”
While the car was in the field, police detonated two non-lethal charges, then went through the Toyota in search of evidence.
Police say the driver, a 38-year-old Surrey man, is facing potential charges and was expected to appear in court Tuesday.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Kelowna RCMP say a remote robot is being used to check out what appears to be a suspicious vehicle in a field.
Police told Global News on Tuesday that there’s something suspicious involving the car, but they don’t know what it is.
The field is located along Springfield Road, between Cooper Road and Spall Road, with the incident unfolding approximately across from Barlee Road.
A witness told Global News that police have been on scene since 8 a.m.