Lethbridge police were forced to evacuate headquarters before moving a possible explosive device from the station to a local gravel pit where members of a explosives disposal team dealt with it.

Police evacuated their building Tuesday morning after a man dropped off an old piece of military equipment at their station.

The device was simply turned in at the front counter, and police say there is nothing to suggest any malicious intent.

This old piece of military equipment was at the source of the commotion Tuesday. (Lethbridge Regional Police Service)

Insp. Jeff Cove said at first experts were sent in with a robot to determine what they were dealing with.

"It has a serial number on it, and it has markings on it, so they believe that it is a pre-World War One anti-tank ordnance," he said Tuesday.

An explosive disposal team from CFB Suffield was sent to Lethbridge to aid in its safe disposal.

Parts of Crowsnest Trail were temporarily closed to eastbound and westbound traffic on Tuesday afternoon while police moved the military ordnance to the gravel pit near Tollestrup Construction.

Police remind the public that if they find old military equipment, or any other explosive device, not to move it or attempt to transport it to the police station. Officials say it's best to leave it in place and call police for further assistance.