"Leave immediately": Police incident near New West courthouse, college prompts evacuations
The New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) said an incident around the courthouse and surrounding area has now been resolved.
Earlier on Tuesday, the NWPD instructed people living and working in the area around the courthouse and Douglas College to “leave the area immediately.”
“NWPD members are working in and around the courthouse — road closures are in effect. A perimeter had been established. Please avoid the area,” said the police force in a post on X this afternoon.
“We’re asking people who live or work in the area surrounding [Douglas College] and the courthouse to leave the area immediately.”
We’re asking people who live or work in the area surrounding @douglascollege and the court house to leave the area immediately. #NewWest
— New Westminster Police Department (@NewWestPD) January 7, 2025
Douglas College also posted on X, stating its New West campus has been evacuated.
“The Douglas parkade, including Carnarvon parkade, are closed and vehicles are not accessible. Please do not come to the New Westminster Campus. This evacuation does not affect the Anvil Office Tower or Coquitlam Campus. More information will be provided when it’s available,” stated the school.
The Douglas parkade, including Carnarvon parkade, are closed and vehicles are not accessible. Please do not come to the New Westminster Campus. This evacuation does not affect the Anvil Office Tower or Coquitlam Campus. More information will be provided when it’s available. 2/2
— Douglas College (@douglascollege) January 7, 2025
In a post made around 3 pm Tuesday, the college said the evacuation has lifted, and the campus is now open.
Sgt. Andrew Leaver with NWPD told Daily Hive that police responded to a “potential threat” at the courthouse. Now that the area has been reopened, the focus is shifting to “the investigation.”
The major crime unit has taken conduct of the investigation, which could be a lengthy process, added Leaver.
New West Police provide more details
In a news release on Wednesday, NWPD provided a detailed update on the incident.
“On January 7th at approximately 10:30 am police were made aware of a threat of an explosive device made against the New Westminster courthouse,” stated a release from NWPD.
Officers arrived on the scene and secured the area. Several public safety partners, including BC Sheriffs, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Services, the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team, New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services, and British Columbia Emergency Health Services Paramedics, assisted them.
Areas surrounding the courthouse were closed for several hours. Officials located nothing suspicious.
“Police worked methodically and carefully to search the area in and around the courthouse,” stated Sgt. Leaver in the release.
“The courthouse and neighbouring buildings are now open to the public. We’d like to thank residents for their cooperation as we worked to ensure their safety.”
The investigation is ongoing, and NWPD is asking anyone with information to contact them at 604-525-5411.