Suspicious package in downtown Halifax was ‘hoax improvised explosive device,’ police say

On Wednesday morning, Halifax Regional Police received a report from the public about a suspicious package in Grand Parade. Police quickly responded to the scene and determined that the package was a “hoax improvised explosive device.” Despite the alarming appearance of the package, it posed no actual threat to the public.

According to Const. Martin Cromwell, a spokesperson for the Halifax Regional Police, the suspicious package was designed in a way to appear threatening, but upon further investigation, it was confirmed to be a hoax. The police took swift action to ensure the safety of the area, closing off streets surrounding Grand Parade to both vehicles and pedestrians for just over an hour.

Incidents involving suspicious packages are not common in Halifax, and Cromwell emphasized that the police always approach such situations with caution and follow protocol to investigate them as potential threats. While specific statistics on these types of incidents were not provided, it is clear that the authorities take every report seriously to ensure the safety and security of the public.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the Halifax Regional Police are working to determine the origin of the hoax device and identify any individuals involved in the incident. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Overall, while the discovery of a hoax improvised explosive device may have caused alarm in Grand Parade, residents can rest assured that there was no actual danger posed by the package. The swift response and thorough investigation by the Halifax Regional Police helped to ensure the safety of the area and prevent any potential harm.