SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. (KGUN) — UPDATE (3:45 p.m.): The Sierra Vista Police Department says the suspicious package found at the VA clinic had wires wrapped around it with negative messages directed at Veterans Affairs.
A press release states SVPD first got the call around 10:15 a.m. after the package was left at the front desk. Officers helped evacuate the Sierra Vista VA Clinic and adjacent businesses.
With resources from CCSO and DPS, a robot was sent into the building to evaluate whether the package was a threat. It was later determined to be safe. VA workers were allowed to reenter the building at 1:15 p.m. as there was no longer a threat to the community.
According to SVPD, a suspect was located and charged with making a terrorist threat, disorderly conduct, and threatening/intimidating.
“We’re thankful to the CCSO and Arizona DPS Explosive Ordinance Disposal units for assisting with the investigation, and to our community for their cooperation and keeping clear of the area while the investigation was conducted,” SVPD Lt. Justin Dannels says.
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UPDATE (1:35 p.m.): The package was deemed safe by authorities and there is no threat to the community.
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A suspicious package was left in the Sierra Vista VA Clinic lobby Monday, according to the Sierra Vista Police Department. The clinic was also evacuated.
"We are treating the package as a potential hazard until it is verified not a hazard," SVPD shared in a Facebook post.
SVPD is working with the Cochise County Sheriff's Office and the Arizona Department of Public Safety to assess the situation at the clinic located at 101 N. Coronado Dr.
The public is asked to avoid the area until further notice. SVPD confirmed the buildings next to the clinic were also evacuated.
PCSD says third improvised explosive device found near Sahuarita park
This is the fourth "suspicious" item found in Southern Arizona this month. Three suspicious devices were found in Sahuarita according to the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
KGUN 9 will provide further updates when more information is available.
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