U.S. consulate in Halifax received bomb threat that led to downtown evacuation: police

The U.S. consulate in Halifax received a bomb threat on Sunday that led to an evacuation of parts of downtown Monday, police said.

Police said at 6:15 p.m. on Sunday they were made aware of the threat against the consulate located in Purdy’s Wharf on Upper Water Street.

The man who allegedly made the threat was identified by police, and an investigation began to try and find him.

At approximately 8:10 a.m. Monday, police located the man’s vehicle in the parkade of Purdy’s Wharf though the suspect was not present.

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“A propane tank and several containers believed to contain flammable liquid could be seen inside the vehicle,” police said in a news release.

Members of the explosive disposal unit responded and police began the evacuation of several streets in the downtown core until the vehicle and its contents could be safely approached and inspected. A bag police said was suspicious was also found nearby.

The suspect was found at Thomas Raddall Drive near the Canada Games Centre at approximately 8:35 a.m., about 10 kilometres west of his vehicle, and arrested, according to police.

A 54-year-old man is in custody and being interviewed.

Thomas Raddall Drive and surrounding areas were closed for much of the day due to concerns the man may have been in possession of explosives. The closures remained in place while his belongings were searched with the support of the RCMP explosive disposal unit.

As of 2 p.m. all roads have been reopened, though police advised a small police presence would remain in the Purdy’s Wharf parkade as the investigation is ongoing.

Police said more information will be released when available.