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VIDEO: Gas station threat a hoax

A Kelowna gas station was shut down for more than hour Thursday morning due to a suspicious package.
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Heavy police presence at downtown Shell station in Kelowna.


Update: 10:40 a.m.

RCMP say a suspicious package threat that shut down the Shell gas station this morning was a false alarm.

The incident is believed to be a hoax.

According to officers on scene the suspect was witnessed on video dropping of the package and they will be having a chat with the individual who is known to them.

The package was wrapped in Christmas paper and left in the firewood pile out front of the gas station.

The area was cleared once the RCMP K9 unit finished their sweep of the area.

The item has since been removed and access to the business is no longer restricted.

An employee at the Shell would not speak about the incident, but told the media he was fine.

- files from Carmen Weld

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Update: 10:35 a.m.

A police canine unit has completed a search of the Shell Gas Station on Harvey Avenue for a suspicious package.

Witnesses say police pulled a Christmas wrapped box from the prepackaged woodpile in front of the store.

It's unclear what was in the box.

Officers remain on scene.

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Update 10 a.m.

Police have the Kelowna Shell station on Highway 97 and Richter Street on lock-down as they investigate a suspicious package.

"Police are asking the public to avoid the immediate area for the time being while they investigate a suspicious item discovered outside the business," said Cpl. O'Donaghey, in a press release.

"Out of an abundance of caution, investigators have called for the assistance of a police canine dog, specifically trained in the detection of explosive materials."

O'Donaghey said the RCMP appreciate the public's patience while they investigate. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

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Jan. 5, 9:30 a.m.

Police have the Kelowna Shell station on Highway 97 and Richter Street.

Four police cruisers are parked around the building and police are warning media to stay back  for safety sake.

Unsubstantiated reports have indicated that there could have been a bomb threat made.

The Capital News has a reporter on scene. More to come...