Concern over mailed explosives spreads from Winnipeg to Alberta

Concern over a series of explosives mailed across Winnipeg – including one that exploded and critically injured a 38-year-old lawyer – has spread to Alberta.

Officers in Lethbridge, Alta., were contacted by Winnipeg police after Guido Amsel was arrested and charged in connection with the distribution of a series of explosive devices – and an explosion at a Winnipeg law office that badly injured Maria Mitousis.

• Winnipeg mail bomb targets were 3 women
• Suspected bomber went through lengthy divorce
• Winnipeg mail bombs, suspicious packages alarm postal workers

Amsel, 49, was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and a series of explosive-related charges after allegedly targeting his ex-wife, her lawyer Mitousis and his former lawyer.

Shortly after he was arrested, Winnipeg police got in touch with Lethbridge officers over concerns a family member who lived in the city could be a target.

An apartment building and Canada Post office in the city were both searched, but nothing suspicious was found.

Amsel's case has set off ripples of concern across the city – with suspicious package calls and evacuations becoming commonplace since Friday's explosion.

On Wednesday, a Canada Post office was evacuated while investigators made sure there wasn't another explosive device disguised as mail. Later in the day, a strip mall and several homes were evacuated on St. Anne's road, while a package was sprayed with water.

Amsel's neighbours especially are shaken.

Ernie Ducharme said Amsel's current wife returned to her Pandora Avenue home Tuesday night to pick up a few things. He sat with her in his backyard.

"I feel sorry for her and the kids, especially the kids," he said. "You couldn't hardly get a word from her. She was crying. She was saying, 'Oh my god. My husband. I don't believe he did that.'"

Canada Post workers shaken, visibly upset

Winnipeg police have previously said they don't know how many packages were mailed out. So far, they have recovered three. Two were detonated by police, the other inadvertently detonated in Mitousis's office.

Todd Jarema, the Canadian Union of Postal Worker's regional representative, said some postal workers are so scared, they've left work.

"Folks are visibly upset," said Jarema.

He wants to see all Canada Post buildings inspected.

"I think it's up to Canada Post now to make sure that they do their due diligence and sweep the facilities," said Jarema. "I think that's the right thing to do and make sure there's nothing left in the stream."

Jarema said Canada Post is providing counselling for those who need it.

Police said the three recovered packages were sent using Canada Post, and they are still warning the public to call them if anything seems suspicious.

Amsel case is before the courts on Thursday.