At 11:55 a.m. Wednesday, the DeRidder Police Department received a call in regards to an individual in an “altered mental state” expressing the desire to harm himself and others and “possibly blow something up,” according to a release from the DeRidder Police Department.

DPD Chief of Police Craig Richard told the American Press that officers made contact with the individual and members of the individual’s family. The individual had been visiting a family member at Westwood Manor Nursing Home.

During investigation, a family member of the individual found a device in his backpack that was determined to be an internal training military device. Upon finding the device, DPD did not know if the item was active or inactive. As a precautionary response, Fort Johsnon’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and the Louisiana State Police’s Hazmat and Bomb unit were called.

Fort Johnson EOD identified the device, secured it and safely removed it from the area.

DPD took the individual into custody and transported him to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment.

The incident led to the lockdown of Westwood Manor, Pine Wood Elementary and High School Drive due to safety concerns, but all were reopened after the military training device was removed. DPD confirmed that all residents at Westwood Manor Nursing Home were safe.

The investigation is ongoing. Richard said that multiple law enforcement agencies are working closely together to identify how the individual obtained the device and what his intentions were when he said he was going to harm himself.