A 23-year-old Burns Lake man was arrested after phoning in a false bomb threat during the Olympic torch celebration in Prince George on Friday.
The threat was called in around 8:25 p.m. during the speeches and entertainment following the lighting on the community cauldron.
Police quickly located the suspect in the crowd, estimated at over 5,000 people, and arrested him. The arrest was conducted quickly and quietly, with no disruption to the celebrations.
“When we got the call, it was a 911 call. We have to assume the worst,” RCMP spokesman Const. Gary Godwin said. “We were on scene within four or five minutes and we apprehended him almost immediately.”
No explosives were found on the suspect or in the area, Godwin said.
“As it turned out, we made the right call here to take him down rather than evacuate a bunch of people.”
Investigative techniques and technology were used to locate the suspect, Godwin said. The area was under heavy security because of the torch celebration and premier being there.
The suspect was charged with uttering threats and public mischief, and released on a promise to appear in court.
“At this point, we do not know what his motive was.”