Skip to content

Fireworks, explosives, bear spray seized from B.C. youth on Halloween: RCMP

There were some arrests, but the youth were later released into the care of their guardians
241101-bpd-squamishrcmp-halloween
Squamish RCMP say a "mob mentality took over" on Halloween night 2024 as officers seized fireworks, explosive devices and bear spray from a group of teens.

Squamish RCMP say a "mob mentality took over" on Halloween night as officers seized fireworks, explosive devices and bear spray from a group of teens. 

Mounties are now investigating after about 100 youth were setting off illegal fireworks, lighting fires and causing mischief in the Garibaldi Highlands neighbour, police said in a release Friday (Nov. 1).

RCMP say a number of the youth were allegedly "physically and verbally aggressive" toward officers and fireworks were directed and set off toward police and their vehicles. 

Some of the youth were also allegedly in possession of bear spray, bear bangers and improvised explosive devices. Some of the youth were also allegedly wearing balaclavas. 

There were reports of loud explosions in the area, which Squamish RCMP believe was a result of the improvised explosive devices.

"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," said Squamish RCMP Staff 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."

Several of the youth were arrested and later released into the care of their guardians. No charges have been laid, but police say the investigation is ongoing. 

Squamish RCMP deployed additional resources to the Garibaldi Highlands community on Thursday "in anticipation of increased call volume" after receiving a high number of calls last year for fireworks being shot at people, homes and vehicles. 

Breaking News You Need To Know

Sign up for a free account today and start receiving our exclusive newsletters.

Sign Up with google Sign Up with facebook

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Reset your password

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox.



Don't have an account? Click here to sign up


About the Author: Black Press Media Staff

Read more



Pop-up banner image