NORTH Vancouver RCMP are investigating an early morning explosion and damage to the front door MLA Bowinn Ma’s North Vancouver constituency office in the Lower Lonsdale area. Ma is BC’s Minister of Infrastructure.
On Friday, June 27 at approximately 2:45 a.m., North Vancouver RCMP received reports of a loud bang in the 100-block of West 1st Street. Frontline officers attended the area and conducted patrols, however nothing suspicious was located.
Subsequently, at approximately 4:15 a.m., police received a second report of a loud explosion near the intersection of West Esplanade Avenue and Chesterfield Avenue. Officers responded immediately and upon searching the area, located evidence of damage to the front door of an office building in the 200 block of West Esplanade Avenue, indicative of an explosive device detonation.
The blast breached the door and damaged the door frame.
The RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit was notified and attended, as well as officers from the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service and Integrated Forensic Identification Service. The office has been cleared and deemed safe.
“This was a jarring incident that undoubtedly startled sleeping residents in the area,” said Corporal Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for North Vancouver RCMP. “Our investigation is still in its earliest stages, but police will remain on scene for the time being while CCTV is canvassed from neighbouring businesses and additional evidence is collected.”
“We are investigating all possible avenues and have not ruled out anything at this stage of the investigation. The North Vancouver RCMP Serious Crime Unit is leading the investigation and is being assisted by a number of RCMP resources to advance this investigation. This includes analytical support and additional resources from the Lower Mainland District RCMP,” added Sahak.
Police are specifically looking for anyone who was in the area of West Esplanade Avenue that may have captured dash cam or CCTV footage from the hours of 2:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file #25-13204. If you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
MEANWHILE, Premier David Eby said in a post on social media: “Bowinn Ma is an incredible community leader, who I am proud to work with every day. No matter who you are, or what you do for a living, you have a right to safety at work. My thoughts are with [Bowinn Ma], her staff and the community affected by this incident.”
Ma said in a post on social media: “All meetings and appointments at my Constituency Office are cancelled for the day due to a security incident that occurred in the early hours of this morning. Thankfully, nobody was injured, but incidents like this can be quite frightening.
“I appreciate the concern expressed by community members and am grateful to serve such a caring and compassionate community. I’d also like to thank the officers who responded for their diligence and professionalism.
“Due to the active police investigation, I will not be able to provide more details at this time.”
B.C. Conservative Party Leader John Rustad said in a post on social media: “Every member of the Legislative Assembly of BC must stand with NDP MLA Bowin Ma & her Constituency Office Staff.
“The idea that someone would set off a device to damage or somehow threaten an MLA’s CA office is deeply concerning.
“No one in BC should feel scared to go in to work.”
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