Suspicious Package found at Chatham-Kent Civic Centre

The Suspicious package located in the front door area of the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre has been examined by police and the contents have been deemed not suspicious in nature. At 11:30 am the previously cordoned off area which included King Street and Second Street were re-opened to the public however the Civic Centre is still currently closed. Officers remain on scene as the investigation continues into the circumstance surrounding who dropped off the package earlier this morning.

The preventive measures taken this morning were to ensure the safety of our community and Municipal staff.

Background:

The Chatham-Kent police are currently on scene at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre as a result of a suspicious package left at the front doors. Police were notified at 7:26 a.m. this morning. All employees have been evacuated from the Civic Centre as a precaution and the area has been taped off. King Street is closed between First Street and Third Street. Second Street is closed completely.

A Chatham-Kent police officer from the Explosive Disposal Unit has viewed the package and deemed it suspicious. As a result, assistance has been requested from the Ontario Provincial Police Explosive Disposal Unit. They have specialized equipment to deal with explosive devices and will x-ray the package to determine what steps will be taken thereafter. This service is available to police agencies across Ontario.

WE HAVE NOT CONFIRMED THIS IS AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE. We are simply taking preventative measures to ensure our citizens are safe.

Citizens are asked to stay away from the area. We will provide more information as it becomes available.