A cellphone and box with protruding wires taped to a railing in a Dartmouth, N.S., building sparked alarm Tuesday evening.

Someone reported the package to police. Bomb techs and a bomb robot went to the apartment building on Parker Street near Dartmouth Cove.

The building was evacuated. Police sent the robot in armed with a water disruptor. It shot the device at the package. Water disruptors are used to detonate or destroy bombs.

Dozens of residents sheltered in Metro Transit buses while a police dog searched the building's public areas. Police then gave the all-clear and residents were allowed back inside just before 10 p.m.

Police have not yet stated what they think the package was.