Possible explosive device discovered by youths in Midland, Ont. removed safely

The OPP explosives disposal unit investigated a suspicious-looking device.

There was an increased police presence in Midland Saturday night as the OPP investigated what was feared to be an explosive device.

According to Southern Georgian Bay OPP, officers received a call at around 11 p.m. about a suspicious item that was found on Donalda Street near Johnson Street.

It was reported to the OPP that two youths were playing outside when they found an item that looked like a vintage military-style weapon. It was brought to a nearby home before police were called.

Police say the officers arrived on scene and directed occupants of the home and other nearby residences to safely exit.

Donalda Street was closed in the area as the responding officers assessed the situation and called the OPP Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU) for assistance.

“Through consultation with EDU specialists, officers determined the item was most likely a military training device and did not contain any explosive material,” confirmed Const. Aaron Coulter from Southern Georgian Bay OPP in a news release. “The device was safely removed from the residence and taken into police custody for proper disposal.”

Police allowed the residents to return to their homes and the area reopened at around 1 a.m., with no injuries reported in the incident.

“Police would like to thank the affected residents for their cooperation and patience during this incident,” added Const. Coulter.