According to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, the mischievous act caused extensive flooding.
The area of the emergency room affected was quickly isolated and the cleanup process started. However, water did leak through the floor and into the blood specimen lab facility located in the hospital basement.
The extensive flooding of the blood lab forced it closure, impacting blood collection services throughout the region administered by Western Health. The water damage to the lab, including possible damage to some of its equipment, as still being assessed Friday.
Western Health said it will be sending what blood work it can to its lab facility at Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital in Stephenville, but noted that lab’s capability is limited.
The man who was arrested has been charged with mischief over $5000 and with causing a false fire alarm. He is scheduled to appear in provincial court Sept. 12.
The RNC Criminal Investigation Division is continuing the investigation into this matter and anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact the RNC at 637-4100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be provided anonymously on the NL Crime Stoppers website at www.nlcrimestoppers.com.
***This story was updated at 11:55 a.m. July 14, 2017
