News

SECOND UPDATE:

A postal worker reported the package, which was sitting under a stop sign inside a white plastic bag, just before 1 p.m.

After advising local residents to stay indoors, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was able to X-ray the item using a robot and determined there was no threat.

"The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public that if you see something suspicious or out of place in your neighborhood, do not touch or move it, but contact your local law enforcement," the release states.


UPDATE:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office reports
the scene has been cleared and no explosive was found.

PREVIOUS:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office reports that its Explosive Ordnance Disposal team is currently out at Central Avenue and Johnson in McKinleyville investigating a suspicious package found near a stop sign.

According to the Twitter post, “Central between Airport and Grange will be temporarily closed during this investigation.” There are no safety advisories for residents in the area at this time, the sheriff’s office said.

Read the HCSO release below:

On Jan. 7, 2020, at about 12:47 p.m., a U.S. Postal Service worker contacted the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Emergency Communications Center to report a suspicious package near the intersection of Central Avenue and Johnson Lane in McKinleyville.

According to the reporting party, the package, which was located inside of a white plastic shopping bag, had been placed under a stop sign at the intersection for several hours.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team was dispatched to investigate. California Highway Patrol officers responded to assist in temporarily closing Central Avenue between Grange and Airport Roads while deputies investigated. During this time, local residents were advised to stay indoors while deputies worked to determine the contents of the package.

Utilizing an EOD robot, deputies x-rayed the package and determined the contents to be safe. The road was re-opened to traffic shortly after.

There is no perceived threat to the public at this time.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public that if you see something suspicious or out of place in your neighborhood, do not touch or move it, but contact your local law enforcement.