Police seek two men in explosion at MLA Bowinn Ma’s office

The North Vancouver RCMP have released photos of two suspects as they continue to investigate the explosion outside MLA Bowinn Ma’s office in Lower Lonsdale.  Police are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying two persons of interest believed to have played a role in setting off the small device.

On Friday, June 27, at approximately 4:15 a.m., police received reports of a loud bang in the Lower Lonsdale area. Officers responded immediately and, upon searching the area, located evidence of damage to the front door of an office building in the 200 block of West Esplanade Avenue.

The investigation is being led by the North Vancouver RCMP Serious Crime Unit, with support from several specialized RCMP units. Evidence collected at the scene has been examined and assessed by subject matter experts from the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) and investigators can confirm the damage was consistent with the detonation of what is believed to be an unsophisticated homemade device initiated by a burning fuse. It could potentially be multiple bear bangers or commercially available fireworks taped together to increase the explosive potential of the item.

Since the incident, investigators have conducted video canvassing, reviewed countless hours of CCTV footage, interviewed numerous witnesses, and followed up on multiple tips from the public.

As a precautionary measure, police also increased visible foot patrols in the Lonsdale area in the days following the incident to deter any continued mischief to buildings, reassure the public and enhance community safety.