A green toy grenade left on the steps of the Canada Revenue Agency building in Red Deer forced an evacuation of the downtown building on Thursday morning.
Around 10:25 a.m. on Thursday, police responded to a report of an explosive device left at the entrance on 4996 49th Ave.
One female employee, who did not wish to be named, said someone came back from a coffee break and noticed the toy grenade on the steps. She said they were told “to run.”
About 130 people were evacuated while RCMP contained the immediate area. Police officers confirmed the grenade was fake and seized the device.
Employees were allowed back into the building about half an hour later.
Police continue to investigate.
If you have information, contact Red Deer City RCMP at 403-343-5575.
If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com.
If the information leads to an arrest, tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com