INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The device that prompted the evacuation of a local motel has been determined to be a fake bomb, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
The device was surrounded by sandbags and a controlled detonation took place at approximately 1 p.m.
The remnants of the device were examined and it was determined it was not a bomb. It appears to have been a hoax device and investigators are trying to identify a suspect.
Prior to detonation, the device was evaluated by the bomb squad and found to have wires protruding and to contain a putty substance.
Rather than bring the device down to the bomb disposal truck, authorities decided to detonate it where it was found.
The bomb squad used a remote control vehicle equipped with cameras and a mechanism that could have manipulated and transported the device downstairs had they chosen that course of action.
The crime of planting a hoax bomb is a second degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Anyone with information about this hoax is asked to contact Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Detective Charlie Clark at (772) 978-6188. Those wishing to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward up to $1,000, can provide information through Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-8477 or www.tcwatch.org. Please refer to Indian River County Sheriff’s Office case number 2013-132092.
11 a.m. – INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – At around 8 a.m. Wednesday, the Indian River Sheriff’s Office responded to a motel near Interstate 95 after a suspicious device was found, according to authorities.
A maintenance worker at the Holiday Inn Express, 9400 19th Lane (I-95 and S.R. 60) located a suspicious device near a vending machine on the second floor of the hotel. The device was cylindrical and wrapped in electrical tape.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office is on scene and traffic on 19th Lane is being diverted. The Indian River County Fire Department is also on scene.
At the request of the hotel management, the building was evacuated. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad is on scene to assist.
This article will be updated when more information is released.
