Bomb Threat-St James Anglican Church

On June 18, 2015, shortly after 9:30 a.m. the Brantford Police Service received an emergency 9-1-1 call from an employee at St James Anglican church located on Dublin Street regarding a suspicious package. Information was received that a bag containing what looked like an explosive device was discovered on the grounds of the church. BPS attended and in the interest of public safety began a coordinated effort of isolating the area and ensuring that no pedestrian and/or vehicle traffic were allowed into the area. BPS Officers conducted door knocks with neighbours in the area making them aware of the situation and recommending they remain in their homes and preferably in their basements until such time as we could determine that the suspicious package was deemed safe. As a precautionary measure the Brantford Fire Department and EMS were requested to be present in the area throughout the day.

The BPS contacted two schools, Grandview School and Graham Bell-Victoria School. These two schools although not in the immediate cordoned off area were notified and requested a ‘Hold and Secure’ process be enacted. A ‘Hold and Secure’ is used when there is an ongoing situation outside and not related to the school yet it is desired to secure the school. We thank the Grand Erie District School Board and the staff, students and parents affected by the Hold and Secure for their patience and cooperation. The student’s safety was a priority.

Through specialized training, technology and equipment, EDU members can safely examine packages which

are suspicious in order to determine what action is required to render or deem the device safe.

The EDU members utilized a RMI (Remote Mobile Investigator or commonly known as a ‘bomb robot’.

The bomb robot can render threats safe from a distance. The bomb robot was able to remotely disrupt the

package discovered on the church lot.

It can be noted that at no time was a controlled counter charge or explosive device used on the device.

The EDU were able to disrupt the contents inside the bag by remotely discharging a projectile at the device.

The projectile turns to powder on contact with an object and emits a loud noise similar to a gunshot sound.

If witnessing this disruption technique one could mistake the powdered substance as smoke or explosion.

Several of these disruption techniques were conducted followed by a Bomb Disposal Technician from the

Waterloo Regional Police Service suiting up in protective gear and manually examining the contents of the

package.

Shortly after 3:30 p.m. the contents of the suspicious package which appeared to be some type of improvised

explosive device was rendered safe.

On closer examination of the device it was determined that it was inoperable and would not have exploded.

No explosive material was evident. Investigators have seized the package, device and a document located

inside the bag. A Criminal Investigation has commenced, Detectives from our Major Crime Unit will continue

to investigate all avenues.

The Brantford Police Service is encouraging anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Detective Raj Saini 519-756-0113 X2265 or [email protected]

People who wish to remain anonymous are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a webtip may be submitted at: https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=251

Safety through the Protection of Persons

Over 150,000 Monthly Readers! 1 Million+ Across the entire FreePress Network.