Kyle Glen Lowe, 29, of Lethbridge was taken into custody after a suspicious package was left at the Lethbridge Police Service station on Thursday morning.
At around 10:15 a.m., LPS said a man threw a package into the front entrance of the station on 135 – 1 Ave. S.
Police said the suspect then fled on a bicycle but was apprehended a short time later.
As a precautionary measure, the front lobby was closed down to protect the public and ensure staff safety, with officers monitoring the entrances and parking lot to direct the public.
“The Lethbridge Police Service takes these types of incidents seriously. The safety of our employees and community is our top priority,” Insp. Jason Walper said Friday.
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The LPS Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) was brought in to investigate the package, while the Lethbridge Fire Department and its Hazardous Material Unit (HAZMAT) were alerted and remained on standby at a nearby parking lot.
“This incident required a collaborative effort from several units of the LPS in order to quickly and efficiently control the location and provide a safe environment,” Walper said.
“The deployment of our Critical Incident Team and the Lethbridge Fire HAZMAT team allowed us to examine the package and determine the contents of the package did not contain explosive or hazardous material.”
The station was reopened to the public as of 1:30 p.m.
Police also suspect Lowe was responsible for a fiery incident the day prior, where a planter outside the station was set ablaze at approximately 6 a.m. Wednesday.
On Friday, LPS confirmed Lowe had been remanded into custody in connection to both incidents.
He faces charges of arson, mischief, and four counts of failure to comply with release conditions.
He is also charged with intimidation of justice, and was scheduled to appear in court Friday.