Squamish RCMP arrested several youths following a chaotic Halloween night in the Garibaldi Highlands, where officers encountered aggressive behaviour, illegal fireworks, and makeshift explosives.
On October 31, police responded to a surge of reports from Garibaldi Highlands residents of fireworks aimed at people, homes, and vehicles. Anticipating a busy Halloween night, the RCMP had increased patrols in the area.
Officers discovered a group of approximately 100 youths setting off illegal fireworks, lighting fires, and causing disturbances. Some of them became physically and verbally aggressive and directed fireworks at police and their vehicles. Police also reported that some youths were armed with bear spray, bear bangers, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and were seen wearing balaclavas.
Reach local customers in Squamish. Advertise with the Squamish Reporter
The RCMP confirmed that loud explosions heard by residents were likely caused by IEDs. Several youths were taken into custody but later released to their guardians, with investigations ongoing and no charges filed at this time. Police seized fireworks, bear spray, and IEDs, which will be disposed of safely.
This is not a case of kids being kids; the group or mob mentality took over, and the lack of regard for any direction or guidance to leave the area were largely ignored,
says Squamish RCMP S/Sgt. Gareth Bradley. This is a very concerning trend, and it is out of pure luck that no one was hurt from the explosive devices
.
Every Parent says
These kids need some serious discipline and reprimand. Someone could have got killed or seriously harmed. What actual f**k is wrong with these kids and who are their parents. They should all feel a deep sense of shame. God damn it I’m mad.
Gary Kirkpatrick says
Wow. Makes the little bit of mischief my friends and I got up to back in the late 70s/early 80s look like child’s play.
Jil says
I think it is past time to ban fireworks in the neighborhood. I was astounded by the noise and inhumane treatment to animals during the ne’er two hrs of pyrotechnics in Brackendale Halloween night. A public fireworks display would probably be safer and convenient if held at feather park. As for the hooligans in the Highlands there are ample community service that these brats could be assigned. What happened there was just plain bad.