North Bend Police Chief Robert Kappelman has identified a Coos Bay resident as a suspect in the bomb scare that closed traffic through downtown North Bend June 24, 2016. William Vernon Emery is currently being held in the Marion Co. Jail at Salem on a Probation Violation charge. An Oregon State Police Bomb Squad responded to the report of a “suspicious device” and by use of a robot, rendered it harmless. According to a news release from Chief Kappelman, “Upon further inspection by Oregon State Police, the device had similar components to an actual device, minus the explosive material. No rational justification could account for this device to be put together with the components present, other than to mimic an explosive device.” The package was found at the intersection of Sherman Ave. (Hwy. 101) & Virginia Ave. Coastal traffic had to be detoured around the area to the west. “A thorough investigation was conducted.” Witnesses identified the 25-year old Emery as the person in possession of a suspicious device in the immediate area just prior to the call. Emery was arrested June 24, 2016, on a probation violation charge. He made no statement in regard to the device. Possible charges against Emery regarding the device have been referred to the Coos Co. District Attorney’s Office. Emery is currently being held without bail at the Marion Co. Jail in Salem on a Probation Violation charge.
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