HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010_04_19_Suspicious Object_Bomb Squad Callout
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 April 19, 2010 On 4/19/10, at 12:56 p.m., a police officer was flagged down at the corner of 18th Street
and Chester Avenue regarding a suspicious object in the trash can on the west sidewalk of Chester Avenue in front of Goodwill Industries. The officer looked at the object, and in his
opinion, it appeared to be something that may have been designed to contain explosives or designed to look like an explosive device. Goodwill Industries was evacuated and the Bomb Squad
responded. Additional information from witnesses, at the scene, increased investigators suspicion that the object possibly contained explosives. One woman reported that a male subject,
of Middle Eastern descent, placed the object in the trash can then was joined by another man, whom he appeared to know, and they both ran west on 18th Street. This report lessened in
credibility as the investigation continued. Another man reported that he was going through the trash can and picked up the object and he estimated it weighed 20 pounds. The weight of
the object was ultimately determined to be significantly less than that, however, all of this information was considered during the operation. The Bomb Squad technicians examined the
object, on scene, and were able to determine that it was safe to open the object remotely, in place, and render it safe. This took place at about 4:15 p.m. Upon further examination,
they determined the object did not contain explosive material. Chester Avenue and 18th Street were closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic for a city block in all directions and about
15-20 businesses within that perimeter were evacuated until about 4:45 p.m.