HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010_02_20_Suspicious circumstances_neighborhood evacuation
BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE Greg Williamson, Chief of Police ________________________________________________________________________ Contact: Sergeant Mary DeGeare Public
Information Officer 661-326-3803 mdegeare@Bakersfieldpd.us For Immediate Release February 20, 2010 On 2/20/10, at about 3:00p.m., Bakersfield police received a report of suspicious circumstances
-possible explosive device inside a residence in the 9900 block of Vertrice Avenue. The information provided was that the resident, Brooks Thompson 24, had made or was in the process
of making an explosive device. The Bomb Squad was called out to handle the investigation. Due to the information received during the investigation and the close proximity of the homes
on this street, investigators felt the neighboring residents would possibly be in danger so they were evacuated. 25 residences surrounding Thompson’s residence were evacuated starting
at about 4:30 p.m. The Bomb Squad entered the home and located a suspicious device, similar to a pipe bomb. They removed the device from the home and rendered it safe. It did not contain
explosive material and no other devices were located in the home. Evacuated residents were allowed back into their homes just before 9:00 p.m. Brooks Thompson is described as a Caucasian
male 24, 5'8” tall, 150 pounds, blonde hair and blue eyes. He is wanted for questioning related to the incident. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is encouraged to call
the Bakersfield Police Department at 327-7111.