Charges laid after ‘unfounded bomb threat’ at Spruce Grove’s Tri Leisure Centre

Charges have been laid after what RCMP said was an “unfounded bomb threat” led to a recreation centre in the west end of Spruce Grove, Alta., being evacuated on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 17.

The TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre was evacuated “in the nature of public safety,” police said, due to what they called at the time “an unspecified threat.”

The recreation centre is located on Jennifer Heil Way and is about 20 kilometres west of Edmonton. It has several amenities, including pools, a fitness complex, a running track and a community rink.

For about an hour, RCMP and emergency services were at the scene investigating the incident, and people were told to avoid the area.

By 8:15 p.m., people were being allowed back inside in smaller groups to collect any possessions, and the facility was closed for the night.

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, Parkland RCMP said they had arrested and charged a suspect who had allegedly calling in an unfounded bomb threat.

Brandon Czapp, 27, was charged with public mischief, mischief over $5,000 and breach of recognizance. He was released and is set to make his first court appearance in Stony Plain on Nov. 13.