Threats send Red Deer hospital into lockdown, man arrested

A man is in custody after the Red Deer Regional Hospital was shut down following threats to staff.

The facility waslockeddown for nearly an hour Wednesday night after a patient called in a threat to the hospital and its workers.

Police say the man had gone to the hospital earlier in the evening andleft without receiving treatmentbefore a threatening phone call was made at around8 p.m.

After the lockdown was ordered, RCMP contained the area, while more officers were sentto the man's home in the Kentwood neighbourhood.

The suspect was found inside his home andarrestedwithout incident, police say. No weapons were found in the residence.

Following the arrest,operations at the hospital resumed. Officials say patient services inside the facility were not interrupted by the incident.

Charges are pending against the 22-year-old man who will undergo a mental health assessment.