Scene cleared after explosive material was found at Duluth treatment facility
Scene cleared after explosives found at substance abuse treatment facility
UPDATE: The scene has been cleared by officials after explosive material was discovered at a Duluth Treatment facility.
Officials say the scene has now been cleared, and what was previously thought to be dynamite was found to be a type of compound used in commercial-grade fireworks.
Clients are now able to return to the home.
Center for Alcohol & Drug Treatment (CADT) released a statement to FOX21 following the incident on Friday morning.
They stated that the individual who brought the explosives into the home was unaware that the item was present in their personal belongings.
CADT says there is no indication of intent to harm staff, patients, or the community.
FULL STATEMENT:
Earlier today, the Center for Alcohol & Drug Treatment (CADT) contacted 911 immediately after our staff discovered a possible explosive device among a client’s personal belongings. Law enforcement and emergency personnel responded promptly and are currently on site managing the situation.
According to information we have at this time, the individual was unaware that the item was present in their personal belongings when entering the facility. There is no indication of intent to harm staff, patients, or the community.
Out of an abundance of caution, all clients and staff were safely relocated to another secure location. Authorities are continuing their investigation and working to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including nearby community members.
CADT extends its gratitude to the Duluth Police Department, Fire Department, and local emergency responders for their swift and professional response.
We are cooperating fully with authorities and will provide additional information as appropriate once the situation has been resolved.
Thank you,
Tina Silverness, CEO
DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department responded Friday morning to the discovery of dynamite in a home.
According to officials, at around 8:40 a.m. in the area of N 15th Ave E and N 16th Ave E, they received a report of a bag of dynamite that was found in the basement of Howard Friese House.
The Bomb Squad was called to the scene, and the house was evacuated.
All clients were moved to a different location.
The Howard Friese House is a residential substance abuse treatment facility for men 18 or older, located in Duluth
Officials say it is unclear how the dynamite got there.
