UPDATE: Accused Saskatoon provincial courthouse bomber has bail hearing delayed
Rodney James M. Wilkie, 44, has been arrested by police after an explosion in front of Saskatoon’s provincial court building last week.
Saskatoon Police Service investigators initially focused on the blast, however that changed after they received a threatening phone call.
“A threatening call was made to the Saskatoon police communications unit, in which a man stated that he would finish the job at the courthouse,” SPS Insp. Randy Huisman said.
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SPS said the scope of their investigation widened after the call came in at around 9 a.m. CT on March 30.
Wilkie was taken into custody on April 2 and appeared in court Monday after intensive efforts by authorities.
“The investigation involved video surveillance, witness accounts, physical evidence and the execution of a search warrant involving two homes and a vehicle,” Huisman said.
Over the weekend, search warrants were executed at homes in the 1800-block of Kilburn Avenue and 3800-block of Fairlight Drive.
Wilkie, of Saskatoon, is facing charges that include intent to cause an explosion to cause serious bodily harm or death or property damage, recklessly cause damage by explosion, mischief, threats to cause damage and obstructing justice.
SPS suspect he is the only one involved in the incident, however their work is not done.
“The investigation is continuing and we are anticipating potential further charges,” Huisman said.
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Shortly after 11 p.m. on March 29, a device exploded at 19th Street and 3rd Avenue. Some minor damage did occur to the exterior of the building and no injuries were reported.
Police officials said they located an improvised explosive device, which was made from readily accessible materials and is considered to be at the “low end” of the spectrum.
Although the investigation is continuing SPS do not believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety.
Officials said Wilkie is known to police, but won’t comment on a possible motive, saying that information will likely come out in the court process, which continues on Wednesday.
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