Regina man charged after police seize bag of homemade explosive devices

Police have charged a 31-year-old Regina man after improvised incendiary devices were found outside a downtown business on the weekend.

According to information from the Regina Police Service, officers were flagged down by three young males on Saturday at 3:44 p.m. in the area of 11th Avenue and Rose Street. The trio said they'd found a suspicious package in front of a downtown business. Police did not name the business but said it was near the Cornwall Centre on 11th Avenue.

“Police were given a red bag containing four fluid-filled containers, with what appeared to be a wick tied to each,” police said in a media release issued on Tuesday afternoon. “At this time, a search was conducted at the business premises and in the area, but no similar suspicious items were found.”

Tests were conducted by the city police Explosive Demolition Unit and fluid inside the containers was found to be combustible and/ or explosive.

“Security personnel at the business played a key role in identifying the suspect by isolating surveillance video, showing an individual carrying a bag that matched the one abandoned outside the business,” police said. “In the video, it appears the suspect simply left the bag when he saw a police car arrive in the area on an unrelated matter.”

A police spokeswoman said it wasn't clear what the man's intentions were or if he meant to target any specific business.

Police identified a suspect, then located and arrested him without incident. Charges include making or possession of an explosive substance, unlawful possession of explosives, possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of an explosive substance contrary to a prohibition order.

The man was to make his first appearance on Tuesday afternoon at Regina Provincial Court.