The William R. Bennett Bridge connecting Kelowna and West Kelowna has been closed since early Monday morning due to a police incident involving explosives. The bridge closure, initiated by Kelowna RCMP, stemmed from concerns surrounding Roy Winter, the individual responsible for the situation, who parked his vehicle and reportedly ignited a fire.<\/p>
At approximately 3:45 AM on January 27, 2025, officers were called to the bridge after reports of a person believed to be in crisis. It was reported by the police and witnesses alike, the individual had parked his white Mr. Chill ice cream truck across the eastbound lanes and started the blaze inside the vehicle. The immediate police response involved ensuring the area was secure and assessing the claims made by the man, who later posted on social media about potential explosives being inside the van.
According to Cpl. Michael Gauthier, Kelowna RCMP media relations officer, the authorities were compelled to call upon the Lower Mainland Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) from Vancouver to assess the vehicle. “Expect the bridge to be closed for several hours, please make alternate driving arrangements in the meantime,” Gauthier said, emphasizing the need for safety measures around the explosive concerns.
Traffic around the area was severely impacted, leading to significant delays as motorists attempted to navigate around the blocked bridge. Local authorities recommended taking alternative routes such as Westside Road, but long lines of vehicles remain evident, causing frustration among commuters.
Winter's social media rants revealed more about the motive behind his actions. He expressed outright disdain for the RCMP, accusing them of causing him financial ruin over the past several years. He claimed to have lost $3.5 million due to alleged police misconduct and corruption, stating, “the RCMP are responsible for causing me to lose…” He detailed complaints against multiple members of the Kelowna RCMP, none of which have reportedly led to charges or findings of guilt.
Despite the chaos, the police managed to take Winter safely out of the vehicle and bring him to custody without any reported injuries. Eyewitness accounts recounted moments of panic as smoke billowed from the truck, and police broke windows to safely approach the distressed individual. One witness noted, “We were told to exit our vehicles and walk away... they came across explosives in the van.”
Winter, who did not appear to have any criminal record, has been embroiled in numerous disputes with law enforcement, claiming they fabricated evidence against him, which he labeled as deeply troubling. Earlier allegations included denial of opportunities for civil lawsuits following incidents he described as road rage and systemic discrimination against him as both a taxi driver and individual.
Many are now left asking how such distress could lead to such dangerous actions and what can be done to prevent the severe lack of mental health resources for individuals like Winter. RCMP's verbal acknowledgments have suggested they were making attempts to de-escalate the situation, with police stating, “we are here to help you,” as officers sought to calm him during their response to the dire scene.
The lengthy closure of the bridge has drawn media attention, and the public awaits updates on the matter. By 10 AM on the day of the incident, it was reported the bridge would remain closed until the afternoon at the earliest, pending bomb threat assessments.
Kelowna's community is strongly affected by this incident; businesses and daily commuters rely heavily on the bridges which connect major areas. While the situation provides insights on the grave challenges faced by those experiencing mental health crises, it equally showcases the urgent need for effective communication and readily available mental health care.
Updates from the scene continue as the authorities manage the incident, working diligently to assure safety and open the necessary routes for public transport. Ensuring the well-being of both the affected individual and the community remains the current priority, as officials prepare for future interventions or changes to law enforcement practices addressing mental health crises.