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Here’s what we know so far about the Metrotown police incident

Author

Srushti Gangdev
October 01, 2021

Burnaby RCMP remains on scene at Metropolis at Metrotown following still unconfirmed reports of shots being fired in the mall this afternoon.

Just after 2:30 pm, TransLink tweeted that Metrotown SkyTrain station was closed due to a police incident.

A following update from Burnaby RCMP clarified that police were also at the scene in Metrotown mall working to evacuate patrons and staff and conducting a search, stating that “there are unconfirmed reports of shots being fired.”

The situation at Metrotown Skytrain station was related to a pipe bomb threat.

In addition, @TransitPolice have also closed Metrotown Station for unconfirmed reports of a pipe bomb. Unclear if the two investigations are related.

Please avoid the area.

We will provide updates as soon we can confirm more information.

— Burnaby RCMP (@BurnabyRCMP) October 1, 2021

The Beacon’s Srushti Gangdev was reporting live from the scene this afternoon, where she described the confusion and panic as patrons were being evacuated out of the mall.

Witnesses told the Beacon that an announcement over the PA system told people to evacuate but didn’t tell them why, and that police burst into the mall with guns drawn shouting at them to leave immediately. There was chaos inside the mall as people ran to evacuate, and witnesses said there was a general sense of panic.

Thousands of people milled around on Central Ave beside the library for several hours after being evacuated, and on the other side of the mall beside Walmart.

At some point, a group of people standing outside the library—close by to our Beacon reporter—were apparently spooked by something and started running, causing more panic, but there didn’t seem to be any incident there.

Sorry guys, too much to type. pic.twitter.com/MpaP5WzExs

— Srushti Gangdev (@SrushtiGangdev) October 1, 2021

Caution tape up around the centre median/block of trees just in front of the skytrain entrance at McKay and central. The actual entrance doesn’t look like it’s blocked off but don’t expect train to be running anytime soon pic.twitter.com/gavP0j8Jjr

— Srushti Gangdev (@SrushtiGangdev) October 1, 2021

Just after 4 pm, Metro Vancouver Transit Police cleared Metrotown Skytrain station of the pipe bomb threat, telling the Beacon they had found no evidence of a bomb. The station and bus loop has since. “Expect delays as service returns to regular. Millennium Line and Canada Line are unaffected,”  tweeted TransLink around 6:20pm.

Our @MVTPK9 team has cleared the Metrotown SkyTrain Station of the pipe bomb threat. Trains are now running through Metrotown but not stopping as we continue to assist @BurnabyRCMP in the area. Please continue to avoid the area.

— Metro Vancouver Transit Police (@TransitPolice) October 1, 2021

Shortly after, RCMP confirmed on Twitter police are still in the mall conducting a search related to the unconfirmed reports of shots fired.

“There are no reported injuries, and there is no evidence of an active threat. We are ensuring the area is safe,” said Burnaby RCMP.

UPDATE: @TransitPolice tells me explosives team has left the scene and didn’t find any evidence of a pipe bomb. The other part of the investigation re: the unconfirmed gunshots is with RCMP – I’ve asked them for an update.

— Srushti Gangdev (@SrushtiGangdev) October 2, 2021

Transit Police confirmed to the Beacon that the explosives team left the scene at the SkyTrain station.

Just before 6:30pm, Burnaby RCMP confirmed that RCMP members and the Emergency Response Team are clearing the area of Metrotown.

“The threat that caused the evacuation today is believed to be unfounded,” stated police on Twitter. The mall will remain closed to the public Friday night.

With additional reporting from Srushti Gangdev.