A busy mountain street was shut down for several hours as police safely took a male into custody who had a device built with the intention to explode.

On Monday, February 1, 2021, shortly before 5:00 a.m., Hamilton Police received information about a male in crisis, in the parking lot of Lime Ridge Mall, located at

999 Upper Wentworth Street. Officers quickly responded and identified a parked vehicle with a lone male occupant. The area was secured and police began communications.

Moments before 8:00 a.m., without warning the male attempted to leave the parking lot striking police vehicles and barricades. His vehicle was contained by police as it entered Upper Wentworth Street. He was safely taken into custody without injury to anyone involved. A search of the vehicle revealed the presence of a suspicious device. The Emergency Response Unit attended the scene, investigated the device and confirmed it was device built with the intent to explode and rendered it inoperable.

Through continued investigation, police identified a residence related to the male near Concession Street and Upper Sherman Avenue. The residence was secured and a search warrant application was submitted to the court system. Upon receiving authorization, officers entered the residence and recovered additional evidence related to the suspicious device.

The male was transported to the hospital and is currently receiving treatment.

A 44-year-old Hamilton man was charged with being in possession of an explosive deceive. He will appear at the John Sopinka Courthouse on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.

Wentworth Street was reopened shortly before 3:00 p.m. after investigators finished processing the scene.

Hamilton Police recognize the impact this investigation has had on the community and would like to thank everyone for their patience.