Victoria Police says the scene is secured and safe after a nine-hour investigation into a suspicious package found at a basketball court Thursday afternoon.
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
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
Victoria police were called to the 1200-block of Gladstone Avenue after a man dropped off a welded-shut toolbox.
Police determined the toolbox was suspicious and officers with the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team were called to the scene.
Around 7:30 p.m. the RCMP’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit from the Lower Mainland arrived and began the process of blasting the toolbox.
Once it was opened, the contents were investigated and there was no threat found.
Surrounding businesses were evacuated and residents were told to stay a safe distance away.
A photo of Gladstone Avenue blocked off at Chambers Street due to a suspicious package on April 30, 2020. (Submitted)
The man who dropped off the toolbox is described by police as Caucasian with a brown beard and long-sleeve shirt. He is reportedly driving a white vehicle, possibly a Mazda. Police said he took the toolbox out of the trunk of the vehicle before leaving the basketball court.
Police said they wish to speak to the man to determine the contents out of the toolbox.
Update on Gladstone. We’re still on scene. pic.twitter.com/1cUKeOiMHh
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) May 1, 2020
Anyone with information about the toolbox or the man is asked to call the VicPD non-emergency line at 250-995-7654. Press #1 to speak with the report desk.
To report anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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