Suspicious item closes downtown Winnipeg intersection for hours

WINNIPEG — Members of Winnipeg police’s bomb unit were on scene for several hours in downtown Winnipeg investigating a suspicious item Friday afternoon.

Around 12 p.m., police closed off Garry Street at Graham Avenue for the investigation. At 2:30 pm. the area reopened to traffic after police said the item was deemed safe.

“We have determined the item has been examined and deemed safe.When we are dealing with situations like this we are going to use extreme caution,” said Jason Michalyshen with the Winnipeg Police Service.

Police received a call about the suspicious item around 12 p.m. Friday. A member of the public saw a package unattended on the street and flagged a cadet.

“There were some concerns about the package and further resources were called in,” Michalyshen said.

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Police have opened all roadways in the area and are continuing to investigate.

Two days ago, parts of downtown Winnipeg were also closed off after a minor explosion happened outside of the courthouse on York Avenue.

READ MORE: Video captures minor explosion outside Winnipeg law courts 

Michalyshen said Friday’s suspicious item investigation is likely not associated with the courthouse incident.

“We will examine that possibility, but at this point it’s an individual incident,” he said.