Incident that caused evacuations at Metrotown believed to be 'unfounded,' police say

Police have cleared Metropolis at Metrotownand the nearby SkyTrain stationin Burnabyafter the area wasevacuated Friday afternoon due to a police incident.

In a statement, Burnaby RCMPsays officers wereinitially called to the area to helpTransit Police with an investigation that forced the closure of the SkyTrain stationjust before 3 p.m.

Police say at around the same time, a report was received about a possible person with a gun, with shots possibly being fired, in the mall.

"The threat that caused the evacuation today is believed to be unfounded," itsaid in a tweet around 6:30 p.m.

WATCH | Hundreds pour out of the mall aspolice incident unfolds at Metrotown:

Unfolding incident at Metrotown leads to mall's evacuation

3 years ago

Duration 0:26

The Metrotown mall has been evacuated, and the Skytrain station closed as RCMP investigate a number of unconfirmed reports.

The mall was also closed Friday afternoon after someone phoned police with an unfounded tip.

"Earlier this afternoon, we received a call from someone stating that they saw what was believed to be, what was described as, a pipe bomb," said Const. Mike Yake, a spokesperson with Metro Vancouver Transit Police, as the evacuation was unfolding.

As a precaution, he said the area wasevacuated and explosive-detecting dogs were deployed to assist in the investigation.

Late Friday, police said officers had cleared both the SkyTrain station and the mall, deeming both safe as they had not found any evidence of the alleged pipe bomb or shots fired.

"We understand this was a dynamic and distressing situation for the public and those in the area, with customers and staff taking shelter in stores in the mall, and others evacuating from the building," said Cpl. Mike Kalanj with Burnaby RCMP.

"We are thankful this isn't a situation that is often faced in Canada, and are grateful this call was unfounded and nobody was hurt."

Police say theyareinvestigating the source of the call and whether the incident was related to swatting,where fake emergency calls are made to provoke a large response from police.

Police investigating connection to Port Moody incident

Port Moody Police are also investigating another unfounded incident that happened at an elementary school on Friday. One suspect has been arrested in connection to that incident, the statement read.

Investigators from both teams are working together to determine if there are links between the cases, and whether the same suspect may be responsible.

"We will be working closely with our policing partners, including Port Moody Police and Transit Police, on the investigation,"said Kalanj.

The SkyTrain station has reopened to the public but police say the mall will remain closed for the remainder of Friday.