Police say hospital 'bomb threat' might just have been man seeking care for chemical exposure
Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital (RUH) and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) were under lockdown following a bomb threat Wednesday morning, but police soon discovered it may have been a misunderstanding.
Saskatoon police said the call came in around 11:30 a.m. reporting a man in a vehicle outside the ambulance bay, potentially armed with an explosive device.
Shortly after, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) put out a public alert.
“A Code Black has been called at the Royal University Hospital / Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital emergency department in Saskatoon, indicating a bomb threat has been reported,” the SHA said in a post on X just after noon Wednesday.
“SHA staff and leadership are working in conjunction with the Saskatoon police to ensure the safety of patients and staff, and have activated the appropriate protocols.”
Saskatoon police alerted the public to an ongoing incident in the area just before noon. Police said traffic restrictions were in place and members of the public should avoid the area.
The hospitals were locked down while police and fire crews flooded the area with personnel. The police tactical vehicle, or bearcat, was on the scene, parked outside the old RUH entrance.
In an update on X just before 3 p.m., the SHA said the situation was resolved.
"Saskatoon police provided an all clear at 2:30 p.m., and SHA staff and physicians will be standing down Code Black protocols and resuming normal operations," the post said.
"Patient and staff access for emergency services, appointments and shifts will resume as planned, and regular traffic flow has resumed at the site."
In a news release late Wednesday afternoon, Saskatoon police said its officers determined the 47-year-old man seen parked outside the ambulance bay was not in possession of a bomb, and the negotiators were able to get him to voluntarily exit the vehicle.
The 47-year-old was apprehended under provisions of the Mental Health Services Act, police said, and officers found nothing in the vehicle that would be considered a threat to public safety.
Saskatoon Police Service spokesman Joshua Grella said there may have been a misunderstanding between hospital staff and the man who was speaking to staff through his window.
"The information that was provided early on was determined to be different than what police actually found upon arrival," Grella said. "That's my understanding that he may have attended to the hospital for treatment of a possible chemical exposure."
Grella said officers learned early on there was likely no threat, but everyone worked together to ensure that before clearing the scene three hours later.
"The important thing is that we were able to respond very promptly with our partner agencies," Grella said. "We would encourage anyone to report whatever information they have as best as they can to police, and I would say that was done in this case."
During the response, the SHA was diverting anyone needing emergency medical attention to the St. Paul’s Hospital or City Hospital emergency departments.
SHA said those with impacted medical appointments would receive a call to reschedule.
"The SHA extends its deep appreciation to our staff and physicians for their quick activation of appropriate emergency protocols, as well as to patients and the public for their support and understanding during the disruption."
A firetruck waits outside the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon following a bomb threat on July 17, 2024. (Keenan Sorokan / CTV News)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Second Cup closes Montreal franchise over hateful incident
Second Cup Café has closed one of its franchise locations in Montreal following allegations of hateful remarks and gestures made by the franchisee in a video that was widely circulated online during a pro-Palestinian protest on Thursday.
‘It’s pretty emotional:’ N.B. family escape fire, plan to rebuild home
A family in Riverview, N.B., is making plans for Christmas and the future after escaping a fire in their home on November, 14.
Cargo ship runs aground in St. Lawrence River near Morrisburg, Ont.
A large cargo ship remains stuck in the St. Lawrence River after running aground on Saturday afternoon.
Scurvy resurgence highlights issues of food insecurity in Canada's rural and remote areas
A disease often thought to only affect 18th century sailors is reemerging in Canada.
B.C. man awarded $800K in damages after being injured by defective bear banger
A B.C. man has been awarded nearly $800,000 in damages as compensation for injuries he sustained from a defective bear banger, according to a recent court decision.
A man called 911 for help during a home invasion. Las Vegas police fatally shot him
A Las Vegas man called for police help during a home invasion before an officer fatally shot him, according to authorities and 911 calls.
Cat caught in hunting snare rescued by BC SPCA
Donations are ramping up for a BC SPCA cat with a mangled paw after being caught in a hunting snare, one of a rising number of pets to fall prey to the hunting device.
These royal residences are opening their doors this Christmas
Not so long ago, if you wanted to spend Christmas with the royal family, the only way to get close was to press your nose up to the TV screen during the monarch’s Christmas speech.
'Still working full time on it:' One year later police continue to search for gunman in Caledon double murder linked to ex-Olympian
One year after a couple was shot and killed in their Caledon home in what investigators have described as a case of mistaken identity, Ontario Provincial Police say they are still trying to figure out who pulled the trigger.