Man charged in Kelowna bridge incident that saw explosives team called in
Roy Winter, 61, expected in court April 3
A B.C. man is facing multiple charges after an explosion scare closed a major bridge in Kelowna for several hours.
On Jan. 27, at around 3:45 a.m. PT, RCMP responded to a call reporting a man had parked a white van on the William R. Bennett Bridge and lit a small fire inside.
Roy Winter, 61, was taken to Kelowna General Hospital, with police at the time describing him as "distraught."
The fire was put out but the bridge, which connects West Kelowna to Kelowna, remained closed while an explosives team from the Lower Mainland was called up to make sure the vehicle could be safely removed.
Police say Winter was released from hospital on March 25 and taken into police custody, appearing in court that same day.
According to court documents obtained by CBC News, Winter is facing 11 counts, including arson, use of explosives and uttering threats.
The documents allege that he lit a fire near open propane tanks, endangered the public, and assaulted and obstructed responding RCMP officers.
His next court appearance is scheduled for April 3.
With files from Tom Popyk