Arrest made after several small explosives detonated in Centretown area

The Ottawa Police Service says it's charging a 51-year-old man after an investigation into several reported explosive detonations in the Centertown area.  

Officers say the first reported incident happened back on August 3, 2021. 

Police then got a call on Thursday, September 23, at 5:45p.m., indicating that a man had just placed what appeared to be a small explosive device on Catherine Street near Lyon Street.  

Officers made their way to the scene and arrested a man.  

Investigators say, in all related incidents, no one had been injured. They do add, however, that the homemade explosive devices in these instances had the potential to cause harm to anyone in very close proximity.

Gordon Ahlstrom, of Ottawa, has been charged with: 

• Mischief/Obstruct property (five counts)
• Intend to cause explosion/cause damage or death (four counts)

He is schedule to appear in court on Friday.