Police say they are continuing to investigate after a “suspicious” toolbox was found and later detonated in the Fernwood neighbourhood of Victoria Thursday.
On April 30, at around 12:30 p.m. police were called to the 1200-block of Gladstone Avenue after a man dropped off a welded-shut toolbox.
According to police, callers reported an unknown man dropped the toolbox at the basketball court and left the area. He reportedly left without speaking to anyone, including the young people who were using the area at the time.
Police determined the toolbox was suspicious and officers with the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team were called to the scene. Surrounding businesses were evacuated and residents were told to stay a safe distance away.
Police said an Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) officers examined the box and determined that additional support was required.
Officers from the RCMP’s Lower Mainland EDU were called and travelled to the area via ferry.
READ MORE: No threat found in suspicious tool box left at Victoria basketball court, VicPD
Equipment including a bomb robot was used on the box. There were four demolition blasts in the evening. Police said residents were warned about the blast.
Gladstone Update | While the package was not an explosive device, the contents were suspicious. The investigation is ongoing. We want to speak to anyone with information, 250-995-7654. Thank you to the people of Fernwood for your patience & understanding tonight. #yyj
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) May 1, 2020
Gladstone Update | Another controlled detonation. This was quite loud and heard by many. Everyone remains safe. #yyj pic.twitter.com/iMMeiqJMWz
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) May 1, 2020
Gladstone Update | Fourth controlled detonation did the trick. The scene is secured and safe. @yyjtraffic will no longer be interrupted in the area. Thank you to our community members for your patience and understanding. #yyj
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) May 1, 2020
The toolbox contained metal, concrete and wiring, police said. It was not an explosive device.
Gladstone Update | While the package was not an explosive device, the contents were suspicious. The investigation is ongoing. We want to speak to anyone with information, 250-995-7654. Thank you to the people of Fernwood for your patience & understanding tonight. #yyj
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) May 1, 2020
“The contents of the toolbox and the nature of its placement are considered suspicious,” VicPD said in a release.
The man who dropped off the toolbox is described as a Caucasian man, with a brown beard and a long sleeve shirt. He drove a white vehicle, possibly a Mazda, and took the toolbox out of the trunk before leaving it at the basketball court, police said. Officers are interested in speaking with the man.
If you have any information about the toolbox, or the unknown man, you can call the VicPD non-emergency line at 250-995-7654. Press #1 to speak with the report desk. To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Alexa Huffman
