Vernon Mounties investigate after body found downtown; death deemed suspicious

A body was found in downtown Vernon on Wednesday morning and RCMP are investigating, with the death being called suspicious.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP say officers were called to the intersection of 32nd Avenue and 33rd Street, at around 2 a.m., following a report of an unresponsive person.

The initial investigation conducted by the responding officers determined the person’s death to be suspicious, said Const. Chris Terleski.

As a result, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP’s General Investigation Section, with assistance of the RCMP Forensic Identification Service, are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the individual’s death.”

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The B.C. Coroners Service is also investigating.

RCMP said the intersection will be closed to all foot and vehicle traffic while they investigate. Police urged the public to avoid the area and to choose alternative routes for travel.

The location is next to the Salvation Army building.

A Salvation Army spokesperson told Global News that its foodbank is closed for the day to give police space to investigate.

Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the area between 1:30 a.m., and 2 a.m., on Wednesday.

If you witnessed anything suspicious or have information related to the incident, you are asked to contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at 250-545-7171.

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