An investigation into a residence on Old Dyke Rd., Grand Desert continues following the arrest of a man earlier today by Ottawa Police Service.
On January 19th, a concerned citizen alerted police about a suspicious package on Lakeridge Crescent, Cole Harbour.
This resulted in police searches at properties on Lakeridge Cres. and Parkedge Cres., Cole Harbour and Old Dyke Rd., Grand Desert.
Last evening, police located hazardous and volatile chemicals at the Grand Desert residence. As a result, police immediately evacuated homes on Old Dyke Rd. Earlier today, Ottawa Police Service evacuated a hotel in Ottawa that resulted in the arrest of a 42-year-old Cole Harbour man on a Canada-wide warrant connected to this investigation. The man remains in custody in Ottawa.
‘The safety of the public and emergency responders remains paramount for me so I want to thank all partners involved for their assistance in this investigation,’ says C/Supt Roland Wells, Officer in Charge of Halifax District RCMP. ‘It was through the excellent work of numerous emergency responders that a suspicious package was safely removed and an individual was taken into custody quickly and safely.’
The Grand Desert evacuation order remains in effect and police will provide an update later today on how long the evacuation order is expected to continue.
Due to the large quantity of chemicals within the residence, police have requested the assistance of RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit, Halifax Regional Police Forensics Identification Section, HAZMAT & Emergency Health Services to further investigate the scene. Police have not identified all the chemicals present. It is part of the ongoing investigation to determine what purpose they would be used for.
Investigators from Nova Scotia will travel to Ottawa today to interview the suspect. The General Investigations Section of the Integrated Criminal Investigations Division will continue to lead this investigation.
Cpl. Greg Church will be available to speak with media on Old Dyke Rd. at 2:30 p.m.
Source: Release
