Pipe bomb found in Kelowna ‘sophisticated,’ but no evidence it was targeted: RCMP

Police in Kelowna, B.C., held a press conference on Tuesday regarding Monday’s pipe bomb incident, which is now being criminally investigated.

Traffic along Highway 97 near Orchard Park Mall was snarled for hours during the afternoon after a passerby found an “improvised explosive device” near a fast-food restaurant.

A bomb squad from Surrey was called in, and the device was rendered safe — not detonated — on Monday.

“Last night, the (bomb squad) rendered the device safe,” said McAndie. “Our initial investigation has shown that the IED is not linked to any other incident throughout the city or the province, and there is no evidence that this was a targeted event.”

McAndie continued, saying “regardless, we take this matter very seriously,” adding the pipe bomb is being forensically examined to determine its contents.

“We are still in the infancy of our criminal investigation,” said McAndie. “At this time, the IED appears to be sophisticated, but the purpose of it is not known.”

Harvey Avenue, also known as Highway 97, was closed from Spall Road to Hardy Street. Some businesses were also evacuated.

“We know the extensive road closures were impactful to our citizens,” said McAndie, “and want to acknowledge everyone for their understanding that our top priority is keeping the public safe.”

1:11 Suspected pipe bomb in Kelowna leads to partial highway shutdown

McAndie fielded questions from the media for eight minutes. She didn’t reveal much, saying the investigation is still active and that the device had been outside for some time.

“But we believe had this device been activated, it would have been successful at detonating,” said McAndie, adding “the impact the public would have been a great risk to the public.”

Asked how often pipe bombs or IEDs are actually capable of doing damage, McAndie said “it just depends on the scenario.”

“I have 26 years of policing and I would say that it happens on occasion that some of these are legitimate and others are just replicas and people interested in creating mischief to the public.”

2:10 Kelowna RCMP say pipe bomb found along Highway 97 was sophisticated in nature

On Wednesday, RCMP issued a brief statement, saying they are combing through hours of video surveillance from surrounding businesses.

They are also asking for the public’s assistance.

If you have dash-camera footage of Highway 97, travelling westbound at Cooper Road on Monday, Feb. 27, between 12 a.m. and 12 p.m., you are encouraged to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and reference file number 2023-10835.