An unknown threat led to Richmond courthouse being evacuated and a large area outside sealed off by Mounties on Thursday morning.
By 12:30 p.m., however — and after police sniffer dog teams had swept the area — the courthouse was re-opened for business.
Before the court was opened back up to staff and the public, the wheels of justice kept turning, according to police, thanks to the co-operation of the nearby Hilton hotel, which allowed one of its meeting rooms to be used as a temporary courthouse.
Earlier in the day, about 30 or so lawyers, court staff, witnesses and accused milled around on the sidewalk of Elmbridge Way, opposite the court, as a Mountie armed with an assault rifle guarded the entrance.
The block from Elmbridge Way — from Minoru Boulevard to Cedarbridge Way, and north to Lansdowne Road — was cordoned off by police as a sniffer dog and handler entered the B.C. courthouse around 10:45 a.m.
Richmond RCMP's acting Corpl. Dennis Hwang declined to say exactly what the nature of the threat was, adding only that a suspect is still being sought and that the investigation is still ongoing.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Richmond RCMP on 604-278-1212. To leave a tip on this crime or any other, email [email protected] or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
