Navy bomb crew on scene

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski

UPDATE 5:15 P.M. 

The Royal Canadian Navy Bomb Disposal Unit is now on scene at the B.C. Dragoons armoury in downtown Kelowna. They will be officially removing the package deemed harmless by RCMP several hours ago.

Once removed the armoury will reopen and members can return to the barracks.

Photo: Ragnar Haagen

Update – 1:45 p.m.

Kelowna RCMP have confirmed a suspicious package found outside the B.C. Dragoons armoury this morning is harmless.

They cancelled the bomb squad after the person who left the package came forward to police.

"While EDU (explosives disposal unit) was in transit to Kelowna, the individual believed responsible approached police and confirmed the contents of the package to be harmless," explains Const. Kris Clark.

"The 34-year-old Kelowna man was apprehended and transported to the hospital for any medical treatment he might require."

Police cordoned off the area because the package, which could not be closely examined, appeared to be a combination of electronic devices and cables wrapped in unusual packaging.

The investigation is continuing.

The Brigadier Angle Armoury in downtown Kelowna has been evacuated after a suspicious package was found this morning.

An RCMP officer on scene says the package was found about 7 a.m. by a member of the military arriving at the armoury. That person promptly contacted police, and the area has been sealed off since that time.

“It’s a clear plastic bag with some wires inside,” says Const. John Leroux.

The bomb squad has been called in from Vancouver, and they’re expected to arrive this afternoon.

Lawrence Avenue has been sealed off north of Richter Street.

Today just happened to be a recruiting day for the military.

Photo: Bill Everitt