Whitehorse RCMP cordoned off several blocks in downtown Whitehorse Friday after a suspicious package was found in the lobby of the CIBC bank.
The territory’s explosive disposal unit was called in but determined the package was not a threat to public safety.
Around 7:30 a.m. police got a call from bank staff, according to Whitehorse RCMP Insp. Archie Thompson. The building was closed while police tried to figure out how the package got there or whom it might belong to.
“We don’t immediately shut down the streets. We have to see what we have and make a determination if there is a threat to public safety and so on,” Thompson said.
“There was an investigation that kicks in from the minute we hear of this trying to explain this package, why it’s there.”
By 11:45 a.m. police couldn’t explain the package away and decided to consult with the explosives unit.
Police, fire and Whitehorse bylaw and public works officials blocked off several city blocks around the CIBC building while officers using a robot checked out the scene. At about 2:30 p.m. it was determined that there was no threat.
Thompson won’t give any details about the package or what was in it.
“We’ve determined it’s non-criminal. There was no criminal act involved with this, whoever left that there.”
He said the incident is an example of multiple organizations working well together.
Contact Ashley Joannou at
ashleyj@yukon-news.com