Monday,
March 4, 2013
RCMP News

Meter Mad
Home-made
device triggers explosive dispute
Released by Suki Manj,
n
February 28, 2013, around 1:00 PM, the Hope RCMP and the Upper
Fraser Valley Regional Detachment RCMP First Nations Police were
called to assist BC Hydro in keeping the peace at a home in the
21900 block of Ross Road.
BC Hydro employees advised
that the occupants of the residence were using an illegal meter that
had been installed without authorization. After repeated threats of
violence towards BC Hydro employees, the utility requested a police
escort to the residence to inspect their equipment and install an
authorized BC Hydro meter.
Upon arrival, the couple refused to allow BC Hydro access to inspect
their equipment. BC Hydro had safety concerns about the couple's
current meter setup as they allegedly removed their original meter
and replaced it with an unauthorized meter from an abandoned house
nearby. The couple was advised that if they didn't allow the
inspection, BC Hydro would be forced to cut power to the residence.
During conversation with the couple, the man allegedly made indirect
threats to officers and BC Hydro employees that if a new meter was
installed people could lose their lives and police may have to kill
him. The woman became agitated during the incident and was arrested
after allegedly threatening to hit and punch the Hope officer. While
the officer was escorting the woman to his police car, the woman
allegedly assaulted the Hope officer by kicking him.
During the arrest of the female, the man went into his residence and
came out with two mason jars containing a blue clear liquid. He was
holding an ignitor that was rigged to the jars in one of his hands.
The members believed this to be a home-made bomb. Police negotiated
with the man who eventually unarmed himself and was subsequently
arrested.
"This is an example that shows there is never a routine call for a
police officer," says Staff Sergeant Suki Manj. "Two seasoned
officers were faced with a life and death situation and were almost
forced to use lethal force to protect themselves and the public."
"You never know what a person is willing to do over something that
may seem trivial to others," says Staff Sergeant Suki Manj. "In this
case, we are glad we were able to resolve this situation without
anyone been seriously injured."
The RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) attended and determined the
content of the mason jars was likely jet fuel which was triggered
with a BBQ ignitor. The suspected bomb was destroyed at the scene by
EDU.
Dean Grykuliak, 46 years old from Hope, has been charged with
possessing a weapon for dangerous purpose and two counts of
conveying a threat against the two officers. Ella Gutierrez, 48
years old from Hope, has been charged with assaulting a peace
officer.
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Copyright (c) 2013 The Valley Voice
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