Suspicious object investigated as a possible bomb

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Suspicious object investigated as a possible bomb

Travis Elementary is evacuated as police investigate.

By Will Underhill

Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: News

Originally published: 5/16/08 at 7:34 PM CST
Last update: 5/17/08 at 6:51 AM CST

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Media Credit: Will Underhill

San Antonio Police Department recieved a call at 2:30 p.m. about a suspicious looking object in the empty lot across North Main Street from Travis Elementary school on May 6. After inspection of the object, SAPD called in HAZMAT and set a charge on the device to blow it up.

Media Credit: Will Underhill

The 1900 block of North Main Avenue was blocked off by the San Antonio Police Department for two hours May 6, while police and the San Antonio Fire Department investigated a bomb threat in the area.

The police department received a call from a woman, reporting to have seen a suspicious object in an empty lot on Main between the Family Dollar store and Main Street Pizza & Pasta; across Main from Travis Elementary School.

When the police arrived, they found a vertical stack of milk crates containing latex gloves filled with an unidentified liquid and strung together with fishing line.

"It looks like someone took a lot of time to put this together," Officer Joe Rios said. "That was our main concern."

A hazardous materials unit assessing the situation did not find anything conclusive after running tests on the device, however they were concerned that the liquid inside of the gloves appeared to be breaking down the latex.

Travis Elementary was evacuated, the entire 1900 block of North Main Avenue was closed, and businesses and residents in the vicinity were advised to evacuate or stay inside their buildings.

A bomb squad was called in to contain the situation and decided to detonate the device with an explosive charge. After detonation, the HazMat team investigated the remains and found that the liquid in the gloves was not flammable, and possibly human waste.

"Honestly, it's probably going to be some guy's bathroom," Rios said.

Since Sept. 11, Rios said, people are more vigilant, and everyone has cell phones and can call police. In any situation they are called to, he said they prefer to err on the side of caution.

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