UPDATE: RCMP stopped traffic for 6 hours in Kamloops because of this 'suspicious package’

The suspicious package that stopped traffic on Saturday. Image Credit: RCMP handout

December 02, 2014 - 11:01 AM

KAMLOOPS - Police have received a tip to help them identify a package that closed an off-ramp on Overlanders Bridge Saturday, November 29.

The Hillside Scouts Group was responsible for the construction of a red box with the letters TNT written on it as part of a Minecraft-inspired float, but the group did not plant the box as a way to fool police.

"(The woman who phoned) was very very apologetic for all the problems it caused," Const. Jason Epp said.



A red cardboard box with the letters TNT written on it was found on the grass next to the off-ramp, triggering a response from the local RCMP as well as the explosive disposal unit from the Lower Mainland. Officers closed the ramp to the public.



The specialized unit determined the package was not a threat; the box was empty. Cpl. Cheryl Bush, a spokesperson for the Kamloops RCMP said all suspicious packages are treated with safety as a priority until items are rendered safe.



During a regular media conference Dec. 2 Bush said investigators were trying to determine if the box came off one of the floats during the weekend Santa Parade. RCMP turned to the public, requesting parade attendees take a look at the photo of the package and let Kamloops RCMP know if it looked familiar.



“It’s important to determine if this was something accidental from the parade or if this was a deliberate hoax by an individual to cause a police response,” Bush said.



This is the second suspicious package found in the last week. Bush said the red box is not linked to the “stick-like” non-explosive device previously found in an alleyway.

Bush said RCMP members are still wondering if the box was placed on the area as the float did not travel to the North Shore.

"It doesn't really change how that box came to be there," Bush said adding officers are still unaware if the box was maliciously placed near the off-ramp or if it innocently flew out of a truck.

"Just the question is why it was there," she said.

Until the box was identified, police treated the incident as suspicious and attempted to identify a suspect.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Glynn Brothen at gbrothen@infonews.ca or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.