Police are releasing images of two suspects wanted for questioning in an investigation into an explosion outside the office of North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Bowinn Ma.
The early morning blast June 27 caused damage to an entry door to the office building on the 200 block of Esplanade West.
At a press conference Tuesday afternoon, North Vancouver RCMP revealed CCTV still images of what appeared to be two men in an underground parking lot near Ma’s constituency office in Lower Lonsdale the morning of the incident.
Cpl. Mansoor Sahak, spokesperson for North Van RCMP, said investigators believe the blast was caused by 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,” he said.
Sahak added that police believe a second explosion earlier on June 27 that damaged a nearby street sign was linked to the office blast.
Based on the extensive review of video footage captured in the area, police are releasing images of two suspects believe to have played a role in setting off the device, Sahak said.
Police describe suspect No. 1 as a white male with short, balding hair, a stocky build, and wearing a black jacket, dark T-shirt and blue jeans.
Suspect No. 2 is described as white male with a slender build, wearing a long blond wig, black hoodie and dark blue pants.
Sahak urged the public to review the images and contact police if they recognize the suspects.
“The public always plays a very important role in the investigation,” he said. “Now is the time to follow the well-known message: If you see something, say something. Report any suspicious activity to the police.”
At this time police could not say whether the incident was politically motivated or not, Sahak said. Since the incident, police have increased visible foot patrols in the area to deter continued mischief to buildings, and to reassure the public and enhance community safety, he said.
