A suspect is now in custody following a bomb threat in Chandler that prompted evacuations on Sunday evening. Residents were able to return to their homes shortly after 10:30 p.m., following the significant disruption brought on by this security scare. Chandler Police Department stated there is "no threat to the public" and thanked the community for their cooperation during the incident, FOX 10 Phoenix reported.
The initial call came in around 6 p.m. when it was reported that a man possessed either an explosive device or bomb-making materials at a residence on the 700 block of North Tangerine Drive, as detailed by an interview with Sgt. Ricky Gonzales from the Chandler Police Department. SWAT teams from Chandler and the bomb squad from Mesa Police Department were deployed, quickly establishing a safety perimeter and proceeding with evacuations. "It's our first and foremost priority, we want to protect life as much as we can," Gonzales told 12 News.
The suspect, reportedly alone in the house during the operation, surrendered to authorities without incident. Despite the arrest, the police have not confirmed if any actual explosive devices or bomb-making ingredients were discovered on the property. To ensure complete safety, the Mesa bomb squad is utilizing robots and drones to meticulously investigate every part of the residence.
While the thorough search was in progress, the extent of the evacuation was not disclosed, Gonzales emphasized the effort to comb through "every nook and cranny of that residence to make sure that it's safe." Residents were to be notified when it was clear to return to their homes, with the timeframe expected to be late Sunday night, according to Gonzales's statements obtained by 12 News. The Chandler Police Department has also conveyed its understanding of the stress endured by residents and assured continuing updates as the investigation proceeds.
