The RCMP's Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) was called in to a Tsawwassen residence in Beach Grove following reports of a "suspicious circumstance."
Delta Police Const. Ciaran Feenan said they were called in to the 1300-block of Farrell Avenue at 2:45 p.m. Monday (Nov. 5) after a package was found outside a residence that appeared to be suspicious.
Police called in the RCMP EDU and evacuated about 16 to 20 homes between Whitcomb Pl. and Gillespie Rd.
Feenan confirmed there was a controlled explosion managed by the EDU around 6:45 p.m.
A neighbour—who did not wish to be named—said he was golfing around 3 p.m. when he heard a loud explosion, followed by two muffled sounds.
"I thought it was firecrackers going off and some have been noisy," he said. "But I know everybody along this road and I can't imagine anyone who would rate a bomb threat."
After the initial explosion, the man said he heard someone yell "5, 4, 3, 2, 1" and then there was a loud bang.
Feenan said those sounds were related to EDU testing techniques prior to conducting the controlled explosion.
In a media release, he added the EDU turned the investigation over to the Delta Police Criminal Investigation Branch, and that the investigation will continue in an attempt to determine whether or not the package was in fact an explosive device.
Feenan said residents were allowed to return to their homes around 7:30 p.m.
People have been understanding, he said.
"In situations like this we're going to use extreme caution."
Anyone with information related to the incident call Delta Police at 604-946-4411 or Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.