An RCMP officer with an explosive disposal unit patch is on the scene on Quilchena Ave in Merritt, Nov. 21, 2022.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED
November 21, 2022 - 1:23 PM
Merritt RCMP continue a week of very public operations by shutting down at least one downtown street today where it appears a bomb squad is on the scene.
An officer that appears to be from the Explosive Disposal Unit appears to be on the scene at Quilchena Ave today, Nov. 21, as seen in a photo submitted to iNFOnews.ca.
Several police vehicles have blocked off part of Quilchena Avenue, but it's not clear what the nature of the incident is. A government office at 2099 Quilchena Ave. has been closed as the police presence continues, according to a social media post.
"Due to heavy police presence on 2100 block of Quilchena Ave. and instruction from RCMP to stay inside and keep doors locked," the post reads. "Our Work B.C. office is closed presently. Do not come downtown."
Merritt RCMP blocked off part of Quilchena Ave on Nov. 21, 2022. People nearby have locked their doors and were advised not to go outside.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED
The heavy presence comes just hours after a standoff at a residential home less than five blocks away.
iNFOnews.ca reached out to both Merritt RCMP and B.C. RCMP today for comment, but neither have responded.
It's one of several incidents this week, with multiple shootings, standoffs and arrests preceding the downtown incident.
It's not clear if or how the incident on Quilchena Avenue is related previous police responses this week.
Due to the recent shootings the Merritt Country Christmas Week's tree light up, that was supposed to take place tonight, has been cancelled.
"We have decided to cancel the Christmas Tree light up this evening due to public safety concerns," according to a post from Christmas Week. The light up was set to take place in Spirit Square, a little more than a block away from where police blocked off Quilchena Avenue.
— This story was updated at 4:09 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, to include the cancellation of the light up.
— This story was updated at 2:06 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, with new information and a new photo.
— This story was updated at 4:17 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, with new information from Christmas Week organizers.
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