By Paul Thompson

Northeast News

Police were called to the Stonewall Court apartment complex on Independence Avenue to investigate a potential booby-trap explosive device early in the afternoon on Monday, May 7.

Shortly after 2 p.m., Sgt. Kari Thompson of the KCPD Media Unit announced that the suspicious apartment had been breached without incident, and that no explosives were found on site. Authorities had previously evacuated the apartment complex, along with three surrounding buildings, as they investigated the potential threat. According to Thompson, RideKC provided buses with air conditioning for the evacuated residents while the operation was ongoing. In addition, KCPD temporarily halted traffic on Independence Avenue between Prospect and Brooklyn Avenues.

RideKC President and CEO Robbie Makinen told the Northeast News that he was happy to assist KCPD in evacuating Stonewall Court residents.

“We thrive on our partnerships, they are the building blocks to our success at KCATA,” said Makinen. “When KCPD had to evacuate the people living in the immediate area, they reached out to us as one of their partners in the community. We value our relationship with the police and we’re glad we were able to assist them today.”

A KCPD source initially informed the Northeast News that the police department was tipped off by a case worker who had been told by a veteran client that they had booby-trapped their apartment at Stonewall Court. Thompson declined to confirm the full account, but did say that police were tipped off by a “medical professional.” Thompson added that roughly 100 people were evacuated as a result of the threat.

“We were tipped off by a medical professional that a resident of this apartment potential had booby-trapped their apartment,” Thompson said. “Bomb and Arson personnel came out, we have entered this residence, and it is all clear. Thankfully this residence, and the many residents that we had to evacuate will be able to return home very soon.”

As for the source of the threat, Thompson indicated that the individual is in need of medical treatment.

“In this incident, we are looking more towards the health of this individual,” Thompson said. “This individual is presently going to be receiving medical treatment, and that is what is most important to us right now.”