It was found at a construction site.
Hagerstown, Md (KM) A suspicious object found in Hagerstown caused construction work to stop on Thursday morning.
City officials say at around 10:00 AM, workers were moving rock and dirt for a stormwater pond in the 1700 block of Wesel Boulevard when they saw the suspicious item. They called 911, and Hagerstown Police, the Fire Department, the Hagerstown Fire Marshal and the Halfway Fire Department responded. . Emergency workers evaluated the object, and decided to call in the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office Bomb Squad.
After they arrived, bomb squad technicians determined the best way to dispose of this object was through detonation. The nearby Sams Club and some hotels were evacuated to keep the public safe. The controlled explosion took place just before 3:00 PM.
Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci gave praise to the employee’s mindfulness. He also reminds the public to practice the three R’s when locating a suspicious device. “Recognized that any suspicious objects found should not be touched under any circumstances. Retreat or carefully leave the area. Report the device immediately and its location to a 911 dispatcher,” Geraci says in a statement.
He also complemented the City of Hagerstown and its Fire Department. “We have a long history of working with the Hagerstown Fire Marshal’s Office, and evacuating an area is an incredible and lengthy task. It’s rare, but it is done out of an abundance of caution. I want to thank Chief {Steve} Lahr and Mayor {Takesha} Martinez for their assistance, but most importantly, the visitors and citizens impacted by the evacuation. Everyone thanks you for your cooperation,” Geraci said in a statement.
By Kevin McManus