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Courthouse threat in downtown New West resolved

More details about threat at courthouse that led to evacuations in downtown New West expected to be released on Wednesday.
Theresa McManus, video by Alanna Kelly

A threat that forced evacuations of a part of downtown New West has been resolved and evacuation orders have been lifted for buildings around the courthouse.

At 2:16 p.m., the New Westminster Police Department stated the courthouse and surrounding area has been “cleared by police” and is now open to the public. It stated more details will be made available shortly.

At a 12:30 p.m. news conference, the police department said the evacuations could be in place for several hours.

In a 6:30 p.m. email to the Record, police officials stated a news release providing more details about the incident would be issued on Wednesday.

Douglas College, which had evacuated the New Westminster campus in response to a threat at the courthouse, said that all classes, events and activities scheduled at the Royal Avenue campus would resume at 3 p.m. as scheduled. The college’s parkades, which had been off-limits during the evacuation, are now open.

Earlier this afternoon, Sgt. Andrew Leaver said the New Westminster Police Department had been made aware of a threat at the courthouse at about 10:30 a.m. He could not say if the threat was made in person or by telephone.

No injuries have been reported, as of this publication, Jan. 7, and the impacted area is expected to be closed for several hours.

“This is a dynamic situation,” Leaver told the Record. “It is unfolding as we speak.”

At 11:30 a.m., the New Westminster Police Department took to social media to ask anyone living or working in the area surrounding Douglas College and the courthouse to leave the area immediately. That followed an 11:05 a.m. post stating 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 original notice posted to social media. “Updates will be provided as needed.”

Photos posted to social media show a group of armed police officers in camouflage standing on Carnarvon Street, across the street from the courthouse.

At a media briefing held near the evacuation site, Leaver said the police department is working with numerous partners to resolve the incident as quickly and safely as possible. That includes the British Columbia Sheriff Service, the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service, the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team, New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services, and BC Emergency Health Services paramedics.

“We want to make sure that we can ensure public safety so we're not going to cut corners. That will take time,” he said. “We want to be thorough to ensure everybody's safety.”

Leaver said this is a busy area of New Westminster, so many people are impacted by the evacuations. At 12:30 p.m., he said the public can expect closures to be in effect for several hours.

“We have not only the courthouse, but a number of businesses, residences, so we do anticipate that a great deal of people will be displaced,” he said. “We appreciate their cooperation. We appreciate their patience. We just ask for their understanding as we work to resolve this situation.”

Shortly before noon, Douglas College began evacuating students and staff from its campus at 700 Royal Ave.

“Due to an ongoing police incident at the New Westminster BC Court House next to Douglas College, the New Westminster campus is being evacuated,” said a notice forwarded to the Record. “For those inside Douglas College, please evacuate towards Eighth Street or Royal Avenue. The Dougals College parkade, including the Carnarvon parkade are closed and vehicles are not accessible. Please do not come to the New Westminster campus.

According to Douglas College, this evacuation does not affect the Anvil office tower (where Douglas College has space) or the Coquitlam campus. More information will be provided when it’s available.”

Throngs of Douglas College students filled downtown streets after being evacuated from the college campus. Some residents gathered on sidewalks just outside the evacuation area, anxious to return home.

“This is exactly how I wanted to start the new year,” said one Carnarvon Street resident.