Suspicious Package In Mailbox Turns Out To Be Auto Part In Fort Collins
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4)- The Northern Colorado Bomb Squad investigated a suspicious package in Fort Collins on Friday afternoon. The squad sent out a robot to take a closer look at the package inside a mailbox in the 1100 block of N. College Avenue.
Crews closed College Avenue from Vine to Conifer for a couple of hours while crews examined the device. Surrounding businesses were evacuated during this time. Fort Collins police also asked the public to avoid the area.
At one point, the bomb squad robot appeared to be scanning a mailbox. Police said the suspicious item had been removed and reopened College Avenue just after 4 p.m.
Turns out it was an auto part known as an "advanced capacitor" which was likely intended for return to the nearby Auto Zone.
"I'm grateful for the fast response of officers, Bomb Squad, and area public safety partners who provided support," said Patrol Assistant Chief Kristy Volesky, in a statement. "Calling police was absolutely the right thing to do in this situation, and we always encourage people to report suspicious circumstances to law enforcement for investigation."
The suspicious item has been safely removed by the Bomb Squad and the investigation is ongoing. North College Ave has reopened for travel.
— Fort Collins Police (@FCPolice) February 5, 2021
Surrounding businesses have been evacuated to ensure the safety of community members. Please avoid the area and seek an alternate route to avoid traffic delays if you're traveling in the area this afternoon.
— Fort Collins Police (@FCPolice) February 5, 2021