A tangled morning unfolded in San Tan Valley as law enforcement responded to reports of a suspicious package dropped at a local post office Monday, a move that led to the evacuation of nearby businesses over bomb scare worries. According to 12 News, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office has taken the reins of the investigation after the incident triggered an alarm at around 10 a.m. in a shopping center near Hunt Highway and Gary Road.

While the Arizona Department of Public Safety's bomb squad was called in to give a helping hand residents and patrons were urged to keep their distance from the commotion as a stretch of commercial staples like Home Depot, Panda Express, and Skyline Dental emptied their buildings alongside other establishments, PCSO advises upon the suspicious claim made by an as yet unidentified suspect, this detail coming from a report by azfamily.com.

The malefactor in question was characterized as a white male with a slim physique donning blue jeans, a t-shirt, and sunglasses as per the description circulated by law enforcement as they continue their pursuit. The area has thus far been largely safeguarded with no residential evacuations deemed necessary; however, the shopping center remains a no-go zone while the inquiry is underway.

The public has been informed that the investigation remains confined solely to the shopping district, ensuring no further threat extends beyond as stores such as Dunkin' Donuts, Jimmy Johns and others also followed in taking the precautionary step of evacuation meanwhile the authorities manage the situation which, according to azfamily.com, appeared contained to the immediate vicinity of the reported threat.

Additional updates are anticipated as the bomb squad assesses the package, and the search for the suspect continues. The community is advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity relating to the incident as PCSO continues investigating this concerning episode in San Tan Valley.