Vernon

A 51-year-old Vernon man with addiction issues is in police custody following a bomb threat at Vernon's Lake City Casino late Thursday morning.

Through the course of their investigation, Mounties determined the incident started when the patron was being refused service and was in the process of being evicted from the premises.

The casino and East Side Mario's Restaurant were both evacuated while employees at the TD Bank and Vernon Toyota were asked to stay outside their businesses.

"In all, between 100 and 150 people were directly affected," says RCMP spokesman, Gord Molendyk.

"Traffic was shut down on Anderson Way and a lane between businesses in the area for about an hour and a half in the interest of public safety while police and staff were able to assess the threat situation."

People were able to return to their businesses shortly after 12:30.

The suspect is expected to face charges of Uttering Threats.

Photo: Contributed