RCMP: Harassment charges for local man; home reno gets explosive
By Kyra Hoggan
A local homeowner got a potentially explosive surprise when she found what appears to be an ancient bomb hidden within her wall.
Castlegar Sgt. Laurel Mathew said the woman was renovating a very old home, removing drywall, and found several items apparently left there a very long time ago.
“One of the items was a carboard, tube-like device containing yellow sticks marked ‘danger’ and ‘explosive’,” Mathew said. “The device was turned over to the RCMP and, in turn, we have contacted our Explosive Device Unit to consult on what this may be.”
She said the home was once owned by a prospector, thus the found materials may be old prospecting equipment – but she cautions against making assumptions where explosives are involved.
“Police suggest that if you find something of this nature, don’t touch it or move it, (and instead) contact the RCMP who will, in turn, liase with the appropriate resources to handle these items.”
The device is now secured at the RCMP detachment.
In other police news43-year-old Castlegar man Michael Laren is facing charges of criminal harassment, uttering threats and harassing phone calls. The charges stem from a month-long investigation in which a local woman was receiving persistent unwanted phone calls, text messages, home visits and notes from an ex-boyfriend. Laren has been released pending his next court appearance in May.
