Photo by Vince Fedoroff
DRAMA IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE – The RCMP’s bomb retrieval unit is seen early this afternoon near the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in downtown Whitehorse.
Unknown package at CIBC sees streets closed
Whitehorse RCMP closed several streets downtown after a suspicious package was found at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce on Main Street earlier today.
Whitehorse RCMP closed several streets downtown after a suspicious package was found at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce on Main Street earlier today.
A mechanical robot used for bomb disposal was seen on the scene shortly after 1 p.m.
Main Street, Elliott Street and Steele Street from Third Avenue down to Front Street were closed when the Star went to press early this afternoon.
The decision was made after consulting with the Explosives Disposal Unit, said Whitehorse RCMP spokesperson Julia Fox.
The police are asking people to avoid the area while the matter is being investigated.
Police said they were called at 7:30 a.m and were investigating a “suspicious occurrence” after an incident in the lobby of the bank, where the ATMs are.
Police weren’t available for further comment before press time.
An hour after publication Yukon RCMP announced the Explosives Disposal Unit determined the package was not a threat. All road closures have been lifted.
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Comments (11)
Up 2 Down 0
Mark on Feb 11, 2016 at 5:29 pm
@June Jackson... what makes you think it was a box? You see how easy a simple statement could start the rumour mill? It all feeds to ISIS' plan i'm sure. Seems some people live in fear. Not me! To think Whitehorse is a possible for a target is laughable. Reminds me of Sept.11 2001 here in Whitehorse......what a cluster *#@& that was!
Up 8 Down 0
Curious on Feb 11, 2016 at 7:25 am
So what was in the package? Anyone else want to know?
Up 10 Down 0
lockdown was a little late on Feb 10, 2016 at 9:32 am
I still want to know why if they thought it was suspicious, why didn't they close off the area sooner? What if it really was a bomb? 5.5 hours after discovery they decide it could be a bomb and lockdown the area? Seems a bit backwards.
Up 6 Down 7
Doug on Feb 10, 2016 at 9:10 am
Police say...."yeah, its probably nothing" and the public thinks -lazy cops, can't even do their job, I coulda done better.
Police say...."yeah its probably nothing" and the thing blows up....and the public thinks..."isn't it their job to use that fancy robot? That's why they have it isn't it?" can't even do their job...I coulda done better - darn cops.
Police say..."could be something and use the equipment they have...and the public say..."typical, any excuse to play" or "typical over response" darn cops, I coulda done better...
notice a theme here....?
Up 6 Down 3
jc on Feb 8, 2016 at 9:42 pm
Maybe just a terrorist practice run. Looks like a success.
Up 13 Down 12
Groucho d'North on Feb 8, 2016 at 5:42 pm
Thanks to the RCMP for looking to our continued safety. Yes there are wingnuts of all shapes and sizes looking to cash in on their 15 minutes of fame, or have a profound political statement to make. Instructions for all kinds of carnage are on the Internet so the risk potential certainly is there. Yes in old days, it would have been an innocent package somebody left behind after doing some automated banking, but it is a much different world we live in now and we are not as removed from big city issues as we would like to believe.
Again, thanks to the Mounties for all that you do for us, whether we know about it or not. Stay safe!
Up 25 Down 16
Guncache on Feb 6, 2016 at 9:19 pm
Another example of paranoia. What was it? A cardboard box, paper bag, unattended pack? A chance for various departments to bring out the latest toys that were purchased before fiscal year end. In the past someone would walk up to it and see what it was. If there is another one, call me and I will see what it is in a few minutes, saving everyone time and money. What was the item RCMP?
Up 25 Down 16
Salar on Feb 6, 2016 at 6:22 pm
I pulled up to cibc at 8:30 am that morning with my family. Noted a police cruiser and the bank manager having a chat with the Mountie inside, nearly got to the door before the manager said it was closed, I'd have to go somewhere else and he'd refund my money....didn't get that in writing so probably get the stiff on that one.."3 bucks to get money out of scotia bank machine....excitement in Whitehorse. Cool little robot though. Wonder if it could have used my bank card to get some money. Would have saved me 3 bucks. 3 bucks! I'm in the wrong line of work.
Up 34 Down 28
June Jackson on Feb 6, 2016 at 10:15 am
I thought, for a few minutes, that the authorities had over reacted. But, just for a few minutes. It is 2016..no one is safe. The world is in turmoil and war.
If it can happen in Paris, it can happen in Whitehorse.
In the end I was glad everyone responded, but, would ask.. if the box was discovered and called in at 7:30 a.m. Why was the issue not resolved until after 3:30 or so?
Up 38 Down 2
moose101 on Feb 6, 2016 at 7:57 am
Nice secure site around possible explosive device . The lady in the picture has not been made aware of any possible danger in the vicinity as she crosses the street heading towards the bomb disposal staging area .
Up 59 Down 0
ClancyWiggum'sStand-In on Feb 5, 2016 at 5:23 pm
The incident was first reported at 07:30 hrs . The bomb disposal response finally arrived at 13:00 hrs. Downtown still gridlocked after 16:00 hrs. God help us if any actual genuine terrorist activity did arrive up here.