Saskatoon police apprehend man under mental health act after bomb threat at Saskatoon hospital

Saskatoon Police have apprehended a man and hospital services have resumed at Royal University Hospital (RUH) and the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital (JPCH) after a bomb threat was resolved, according to Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).

Hospital staff called police at about 11:30 a.m. CST Wednesday to report a man in a vehicle outside of the ambulance bay believed to be armed with a bomb.

The SHA said in a news release early Wednesday afternoon that a "code black" had been called, meaning a bomb threat had been reported. RUH and the JPCH were put on lockdown, restricting access for public and patients. Roads into the emergency department entrance were closed to vehicles.

The man voluntarily left the vehicle at about 2 p.m. CST and police found he did not have a bomb. He was apprehended under the Mental Health Services Act. Saskatoon Police Service spokesperson Joshua Gruella said the act allows police to take someone into police custody, then into hospital custody to be treated.

He would not elaborate on why the man was apprehended under that act.

Several teams responded to the call including the crisis negotiation, canine and explosive disposal units. The negotiator was talking with the man for about two hours, according to Gruella.

SHA said it received an "all-clear" at 2:30 p.m. CST and called off the lockdown, allowing operations to resume as normal.

SHA said patients with impacted medical appointments will be called to reschedule.

"The SHA extends its deep appreciation to our staff and physicians for their quick activation of appropriate emergency protocols, as well as to patients and the public for their support and understanding during the disruption," SHA said.