MEDICINE HAT
POLICE SERVICE

MEDIA RELEASE

05-029935
Media Interest
2005-12-16 16:09 -
PROPERTY - FOUND - Suspicious Packages
400-450 1 ST SE

Text Release Date and Time: 2005-12-16 19

At 1551 hours the police received a call from the esplanade advising that 4 suspicious unmarked packages were found in between the inner and outer doors of the main North entrance of the Esplanade.

As a result of the discovery by Security staff, Police attended and an evacuation of the Esplanade was conducted. As a precaution the area around the Esplande was blocked off to both pedestrian and vehicle travel. Members of the Emergency Demolition Unit of the MHPS were called in to deal with the packages.

As a further precaution the Medicine Hat Library was also evacuated. Xrays were taken of the suspicious packages by members of EDU. The Xrays indicated that the packages were emtpy. EDU members then opened the packages confirming that they were in fact empty boxes.

At 1901 hours Police were able to clear from the Esplanade. The investigation of the incident is continuing.

News release issued by S/Sgt. Don Girling
529-8461
Text Release Date and Time: 2005-12-16 19