The explosion was apparently caused by an unsophisticated homemade device
NORTH Vancouver RCMP on Tuesday released images of two suspects in their investigation into an explosion which caused minor damage to an entry door at North Vancouver MLA Bowinn Ma’s office building last month. Ma is B.C.’s Minister of Infrastructure.
On Friday, June 27, at approximately 4:15 a.m., police received reports of a loud bang in the Lower Lonsdale area. 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.
The investigation is being led by the North Vancouver RCMP Serious Crime Unit, with support from several specialized RCMP units. Evidence collected at the scene has been examined and assessed by subject matter experts from the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) and investigators can confirm the damage was consistent with the detonation of what is believed to be an unsophisticated homemade device initiated by a burning fuse. It could potentially be multiple bear bangers or commercially available fireworks taped together to increase the explosive potential of the item.
Since the incident, investigators have conducted video canvassing, reviewed countless hours of CCTV footage, interviewed numerous witnesses, and followed up on multiple tips from the public.
As a precautionary measure, police also increased visible foot patrols in the Lonsdale area in the days following the incident to deter any continued mischief to buildings, reassure the public and enhance community safety.
Police are appealing to the public for assistance with efforts to identify two persons of interest. The RCMP released images of two individuals believed to have played a role in setting off the small device.
CCTV footage confirms that the detonation occurred at exactly 4:04 a.m. Police believe that the two individuals captured on video are persons of interest and are seeking to identify them.
Suspect Descriptions:
- Suspect 1: Described as a white male with short, balding hair, a stocky build, wearing a black jacket, dark T-shirt, and blue jeans
- Suspect 2: Described as a white male with a slender build, wearing a long blonde wig, black hoodie, and dark blue pants
“We are urging the public to review these images and contact police if they recognize the suspects,” said Cpl. Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for North Vancouver RCMP. “The public plays a very important role in this investigation, and sometimes even a small tip can be the final piece of the puzzle in a complex case. Now is the time to follow the well-known message: if you see something, say something. Report any suspicious activity to police.”
At this time, police continue to investigate the motive and cannot say whether the incident was politically motivated.
Anyone who may have information or can identify the suspects is asked to call North Vancouver RCMP at 236-481-9100, quoting file number 25-13204.
