A possible grenade presented at the Westlock Healthcare Centre Thursday morning caused an immediate, temporary evacuation of all staff and patients after a man seeking medical attention revealed what was believed to be an explosive device.
Westlock RCMP responded to a call at the Westlock Healthcare Centre Dec. 14, at 9:30 a.m. after the hospital engaged an emergency response that included the evacuation, and shortly after arriving, RCMP arrested the man.
The RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) was consulted and confirmed the item to be a butane lighter.
The evacuation lasted about 15 to 20 minutes before people were allowed back into the hospital and activities and appointments resumed.
"Alberta Health Services (AHS) evacuated the hospital for an emergency and we attended and (minutes later) the emergency was cleared," said Westlock RCMP Staff Sgt. Jeff Sehn, who confirmed that RCMP were on site for about two hours in a non-emergency capacity, following the incident.
The RCMP concluded their investigation and the man was released without charges.
In a press release early Thursday afternoon, Westlock RCMP confirmed there was no threat to public safety or the safety of the hospital.