RCMP looking for suspect who tried to derail a train north of Hope; incident could have been catastrophic

SPUZZUM — Hope and Boston Bar RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance with their investigation into an attempt to derail a train, according to Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment spokesperson Sgt. Michael Sargent.

On Sunday, October 22, at 3:18 a.m., an individual placed a vice clamp on a section of the train tracks near the old Alexandria Bridge in Spuzzum, north of Hope, Sgt. Sargent said.

Police are asking for anyone to come forward who may have driven through the area between 2:30 a.m. and 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, October 22 and might have dash camera footage, or anyone who may have information regarding this incident, to contact the Hope RCMP at 604-869-7750. People who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

“It is very concerning when someone goes to this extreme to cause a catastrophic event that puts the train staff and the local community at risk of harm,” Sgt. Mike Sargent of the Hope RCMP.