By Charles Lefebvre and Hayley Ferguson

MHPS: Suspicious package at Crescent Heights High School not an explosive

May 22, 2019 | 8:49 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat Police Service says the suspicious package that caused Crescent Heights High School to go into a shelter in place on Tuesday was not an explosive.

“The initial investigation has concluded that the device was not an explosive device and not capable of causing harm,” the release reads.

Staff found the package at approximately 9:11 a.m., near a parking lot in the area. When police attended the scene, they confirmed the package had the appearance of an improvised explosive device.

Inspector Joe West of the Medicine Hat Police described the package as a box with wires, a cellphone, and circuit board attached. 

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The Explosive Disposal Unit rendered the device safe at around 11 a.m.

According to West, the package was definetly made to look like an improvised explosive device. 

“We think it was probably a prop, possibly again to look like an improvised explosive device. Possibly used in a game that teenagers play.” He said “The investigation now is really trying to focus on really what was the intent of that device being placed there. Was it simply an accident or was it set there intentionally? And we’ll get to the bottom of that.”

West also confirmed that the Major Crimes Section has determined the origin of the package, and will continue to investigate the intent of the placement, however they do not believe there is any further safety concern to the community.