Image: New Westminster PD /  Police in New Westminster, B.C., say the threat of an explosive device led to an evacuation of a large area around a courthouse and nearby Douglas College. Multiple agencies assisted during Tuesday's police incident including the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team (pictured). 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Police incident

Police say threat of explosive device cause of B.C. courthouse, college evacuation

Jan 8, 2025 | 10:58 AM

LOWER MAINLAND — Police in New Westminster, B.C., say the threat of an explosive device led to an evacuation of a large area around a courthouse and nearby Douglas College.

According to a statement from New West PD Sgt. Andrew Leaver, officers arrived on scene Tuesday afternoon (Jan. 7) and worked to secure the area. Residents and businesses adjacent to the courthouse were asked to leave out of an abundance of caution for their safety.

Numerous public safety partners assisted New West PD frontline patrol officers consisting of B.C. Sheriffs, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Services, Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team, New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services, and B.C. Emergency Health Services paramedics.

Police say portions of surrounding roads were closed for several hours. Nothing suspicious was located by police.

“Police worked methodically and carefully to search the area in and around the courthouse,” Sgt. Leaver said. “The courthouse and neighbouring buildings are now open to the public. We’d like to thank residents for their cooperation as we worked to ensure their safety.”

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The investigation into this incident is ongoing. If you know anything about this incident and have not spoken to police you are asked to call 604-525-5411.