Hamilton police close access to Lime Ridge mall for investigation of an explosive device

Hamilton police have arrested a 44-year-old Hamilton man who they say had built an explosive device.

Police say they responded to a “person in crisis” in the Lime Ridge Mall parking lot around 5 a.m. Monday. They found the man inside a vehicle, secured the area and began communication.

Just before 8 a.m. police say the man tried to leave the parking lot, hitting police vehicles and barricades.

Police stopped the vehicle as it entered Upper Wentworth St. The man was arrested and his vehicle was search. That’s when police found a suspicious device.

The Emergency Response Unit attended the scene to investigate. They confirmed it was an explosive device built and disabled it.

Police searched the man’s home in the area of Concession St. and Upper Sherman Ave. and recovered additional evidence related to the device.

HPS remains on scene outside Limeridge Mall. There is no access to the mall.

A person in crisis has been apprehended. A suspicious device was located inside his vehicle and police have now confirmed it is not dangerous.

Police anticipate being in the area for several hours.

— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) February 1, 2021

Upper Wentworth St. reopened shortly before 3:00 p.m.

Police first tweeted about the incident around 6 a.m. Monday.

We are currently conducting an investigation in the area of Limeridge Mall and as such access to the parking lot is currently not permitted. The incident is contained and there is no threat to public safety. Please avoid the area at this time. #HamOnt pic.twitter.com/MmYsqQVvHq

— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) February 1, 2021

The man has been charged with being in possession of an explosive device. He will appear in court on Tuesday.