Crime

Bomb squad removes suspicious suitcase found near Modesto courthouse

Bee Staff Reports
Sgt. Frank Fenn puts on a protective suit to remove suspicious suitcase found near an employee entrance at the Stanislaus Superior Courthouse Friday morning Jan. 30, 2015.
Sgt. Frank Fenn puts on a protective suit to remove suspicious suitcase found near an employee entrance at the Stanislaus Superior Courthouse Friday morning Jan. 30, 2015. Deputy Anthony Bejaran Stanislaus County Sheriff

The Stanislaus County sheriff’s bomb squad removed a suspicious suitcase found near the downtown Modesto courthouse Friday morning. Officials said the suitcase was empty and no explosives were found.

Sheriff’s deputies found the suitcase near the Stanislaus Superior Court employee entrance near I and 12th streets. The area was cordoned off to keep pedestrians away, while the bomb was called in to examine the suitcase.

Sgt. Frank Fenn wearing protective gear removed the suitcase, and sheriff’s officials gave the all-clear shortly after. The courthouse was able to open about 8 a.m. without much of a disturbance to regular business.

Sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Anthony Bejaran said bomb squad officials opened the black suitcase, and they found nothing inside.

This story was originally published January 30, 2015 at 9:52 AM with the headline "Bomb squad removes suspicious suitcase found near Modesto courthouse."

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