Surrey RCMP say the object is not a threat to public safety, but continue to investigate

SURREY — RCMP say they were at Surrey Tax Centre on King George Boulevard this afternoon after an employee received a threat.

According to a release, a “suspicious” object was later found in the parking garage of the tax centre, which had been cordonned off.

With help from the BC Explosives Disposal Unit, Surrey RCMP say it was determined the object was confirmed to not be a threat.

But the investigation continues, Surrey RCMP say, to determine if the object is linked to the threat that was received.

Police were called in to the tax centre around at 10:15 a.m. Thursday morning.

One person at the scene described seeing at least 20 police cars and officers “with gas masks.”

Shortly after noon, Surrey RCMP closed 134th Street between 96th and 98th Avenue as they investigated, which has since re-opened.

Officers on scene were assisted by the the South Coast British Columbia Transit Authority Police Service, Surrey Fire Services, and BC Emergency Health Services.

Just before 12:30 p.m., Corporal Elenore Sturko said they had evacuated the building, but police now say employees were not in fact evacuated.

Police say they left the scene around 2 p.m.

Avoid the area: 134 Street is closed between 96-98 Avenue as we investigate a suspicious occurrence in the area. pic.twitter.com/jq2oVo1poU — Surrey RCMP (@SurreyRCMP) March 22, 2018

This is the second scare at the local taxation centre in as many years.

Last March, Surrey RCMP and Hazmat members descended on the Surrey Tax Centre after a white powder was discovered near the loading dock at the rear of the building.

It was found to be benign and posed no immediate health threat, officials said at the time, but 19 people were reportedly contained to a room.

See also: White powder at Surrey Tax Centre harmless

Surrey Tax Centre is located at 9755 King George Boulevard.



beau.simpson@surreynowleader.com

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