By SDCN Staff
San Marcos, CA–A report of a suspicious device prompted a temporary evacuation near the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station on Tuesday morning before authorities determined the item posed no threat to the public.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, a woman discovered what appeared to be a suspicious device at her San Marcos home shortly after 9:30 a.m. She placed the device in her vehicle and drove toward the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station after calling ahead to report her discovery.
The woman parked her vehicle in the 100 block of Santar Place near the sheriff’s station, where deputies met with her and photographed the device. Out of an abundance of caution, authorities temporarily evacuated the immediate area while members of the Sheriff’s Bomb and Arson Unit responded.
Bomb and arson deputies safely removed the device from the vehicle and conducted a thorough examination. Investigators later determined the device did not pose any danger to the public.
The evacuation order for the surrounding area was lifted a short time later, and no injuries were reported.
“The San Marcos Sheriff’s Station wants to thank the public for their cooperation and understanding. The safety of the community remains our top priority,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release.
Authorities reminded residents that if they encounter an object they believe may be an explosive device, they should not touch, move, open or tamper with it. Instead, they should move to a safe location, keep others away from the area and call 911. Officials also advise against approaching the object to use a radio or mobile phone and urge the public to follow the instructions of emergency personnel rather than attempting to handle or dispose of the item themselves.
