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VIDEO: Evacuation ordered after suspicious devices found in Langley

Explosives disposal unit called to Aldergrove business
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An area near 272 Street and Fraser Highway was evacuated after what looked like grenades were found in a storage unit. Sarah Grochowski/Black Press Media

The Explosives Disposals Unit arrived on scene Wednesday just before 2:30 p.m., where nearly 10 businesses and various tenants were formerly evacuatedalong Fraser Highway in Aldergrove between 272 and 273 Streets due to a bomb scare.

Police cordoned off the three-block area just after 10:30 a.m. following a report that two devices resembling grenades were found in a business.

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“They weren’t novelties, they appeared to be deactivated military surplus items,” in other words – inactivate grenades, said Aldergrove’s community policeliaison, Cpl. Kurt Nueman.

“There appeared to be multiple grenades without detonators,” he said.

Authorities were unable to discern the motivation in regards to why the devices were there, police confirmed.

Langley RCMP said the order was issued as a precaution.

“It was better to err on the side of caution, for everybody’s sake,” said Cpl. Kurt Neuman, who was on scene during the events.

Reports from the scene said the discovery was made in the back yard of Alder Natural Foods.

Police were called at approximately 10:30 a.m. by an employee when the two devices were found in what was described as a storage cabinet.

Ben Faley, owner of the business, told locals on scene it was just “a can of gasoline” with what appeared to be a novelty grenade on top.

Del Pollo restaurant chef Cuc Lam was unable to get to work as a result as a result of the police-ordered shutdown.

“I can’t believe it’s happening,” Lam said, “in this sweet little town.”

A local who lives in an apartment behind Speedies skate shop on the south side of Fraser Highway – Colleen McCormack, was rushed out of her bath tub andapartment in the early morning by yells from police.

“My first concern was that something had happened to somebody I knew,” McCormack said, “It took a while for my heart rate to return to normal.”

The 62-year-old said the strip’s business owners and residents have helped her immensely over the last four years.

She refers to Faley, the owner of Alder Natural Foods, as her “adopted father” who orders in supplements and health items she needs.

“In spite of what you see now – it’s really a wonderful little community here.”

t.co

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