By James Wood/Charles Lefebvre

Major Crimes handling Crescent Heights bomb scare investigation

Oct 27, 2017 | 8:09 AM

MEDICINE HAT, ALTA- An investigation into an afternoon bomb scare in Crescent Heights has been handed to the Major Crimes section of the Medicine Hat Police Service.

The incident began after police received a call from someone on 8th Street Northwest in Crescent Heights, stating they had seen someone leave a suspicious item in front of a bank in the area.

Police blocked off the street after the item was found outside of the Servus Credit Union, shortly after 4 p.m. Local businesses on the street were closed as a precaution.

Footage from the scene appears to show a plastic shopping bag lying just outside the front door of the Servus entrance, believed to be the object that caused the incident. Police have not provided a detailed description of the object, but said it was a package that resembled an explosive device.

“It was made up from household electronic devices, and it was put there intentionally to cause alarm, or as a hoax,” said Staff Sgt. Cory Both.

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While an earlier release from the police service had indicated the item was initially believed to be an improvised explosive device, police have since confirmed the item left in front of the bank was an “unsophisticated mock explosive device.”

Both adds police take all calls of suspicious items or mock explosives seriously, even if they end up being a hoax.

“These things are meant to elicit a response, whether they’re real or they’re a hoax,” he said. “In any event, they’re taken very seriously because they’re meant to disrupt and possibly cause harm to the citizens of the city.”

The Explosive Disposal Unit was called in to handle the situation, later rendering the device safe remotely. A bomb disposal robot was used during the call, and the street was re-opened around 8 p.m. on Thursday night. Police have said there is no threat to public safety from what took place.

This was the second time in two weeks the Explosive disposal Unit was called in. On October 10, police responded to reports of a bomb threat at the ATB Financial branch in Crescent Heights. A staff member at the bank noticed a backpack that had been left behind in the bank. The item was found not to be an explosive.

Both says at this point, Thursday’s call does not appear to be linked to any other file.

Both says investigators are interviewing business owners in the area and reviewing CCTV footage in connection with the case. He adds police are looking to speak with anyone who may have been in the area on Thursday between 3-4 p.m.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 403-529-8481.