A suspicious bag prompted a short-lived evacuation at the New Westminster SkyTrain station on Tuesday night.
Transit Police received a text report from a passenger just after 8 p.m. on Feb. 4 saying a large bag had been left unattended on a westbound train, said Const. Amanda Steed, media relations officer.
“Several Transit Police officers, including explosives detection dog Harnett and her handler, attended New Westminster SkyTrain station. Out of an abundance of caution, the station and surrounding businesses were closed while officers investigated,” Steed said in an email to the Record. “It was determined the bag was not a threat to the public, and the station reopened shortly after.”
On Tuesday night, TransLink announced the Expo line at New Westminster station was closed as of 8:30 p.m. due to a police incident. Soon after, it announced the station was open as of 8:50 p.m.
“The police incident has cleared. Expo line is resuming normally with some gaps in service to be expected,” said the notice posted to social media. “Thank you for your patience as we worked to resolve this issue.”
Some folks enjoying a night out at the movies took to social media to say they had been asked to evacuate Landmark Cinemas in the middle of a movie because of a security threat at the station.
