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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Coeur d’Alene school evacuated when explosives were found nearby

Ramsey Elementary School in Coeur d’Alene was evacuated Friday afternoon after reports that a person brought a large amount of explosive material to the nearby Coeur d’Alene Police Department.

The Spokane Police Bomb Squad removed the material before 3 p.m., according to a press release.

Scott Maben, spokesman for the school district, said that police indicated someone had turned in explosive material they found at their home, bringing it to the 3818 N. Schreiber Way building. As a precaution, they evacuated “quite a large area” around the department, including the elementary school at 1351 W. Kathleen Ave.

“We’re taking those elementary school kids away from there and up to the high school nearby,” he said.

The school district said on Facebook at about 2 p.m. that all Ramsey students would be escorted to Lake City High School on North Ramsey Road. Parents and guardians can pick their children up starting at 3 p.m., but must have their legal identification to do so, the district said.

All school buses serving Ramsey will also pick students up at Lake City High School.

A spokesperson of the Coeur d’Alene Police Department was not immediately available.

KHQ reporter Adam Mayer said the police department had also been evacuated.

The Spokane Police Bomb Squad removed the explosives before 3 p.m. and cleared the danger, according to a press release.

Reporter Will Campbell contributed to this story.