SASKATOON — Update Tuesday, July 19, 9:30 a.m.: Saskatoon Police Service says no explosive device was discovered in its search of areas of the University of Saskatchewan Monday.
The SPS release is as follows:
"At approximately 4 p.m., July 18, police were notified of a call that had been made regarding a device. With assistance from staff at the university and members of the U of S Protective Services, the SPS began evacuating and searching areas of interest on campus. Traffic restrictions were also put in place around the location. Following an initial search by patrol, members of the explosive disposal unit along with the canine unit attended the scene to investigate. The Saskatoon Fire Department and Medavie Health Services were also present, on standby.
"A suspicious male at the scene was taken into custody and later released with no charges. A backpack was also identified as suspicious and was examined by the EDU. It was later determined to contain nothing that would be considered a threat to safety.
"The SPS would like to thank the public for their co-operation and patience during this investigation."
Update late Monday evening: Saskatoon police say their investigation in the 1400 block of College Drive has since concluded without incident. Traffic restrictions that were in place along College Drive were lifted at around 10 p.m. There is no continued risk to public safety.
An update in the form of a news release will be provided when full details are prepared.
Original release: Saskatoon Police Service has cordoned off University Drive to vehicle traffic and is currently investigating a report of a possible threat inside the University of Saskatchewan.
Squad cars blocked College Drive from University Bridge near the Wiggins Avenue entrance and Preston Avenue from Highway 5, causing traffic restrictions within the area.
Campus Protective Services personnel are also assisting SPS officers as they inspect the 1400 block of College Drive.
At around 4:10 p.m., USask issued an evacuation order for St. Thomas More College advising all individuals to get out of the premises immediately.
Almost two hours after that, they issued another evacuation order for the Health Sciences and Memorial Union buildings, the Murray Library and Place Riel.
The campus-wide alert also advised pedestrians and motorists to avoid the said areas until the police operation is over.
People responding to the evacuation order must also bring their personal belongings like keys, briefcases, purses and wallets.
Personnel should turn off all electronics, including computers, and close the offices but not lock the doors. The use of elevators is also discouraged.
It is also advised that personnel evacuate in groups to make sure everyone is accounted for while assisting those with physical disabilities.
