A suspicious briefcase left outside the CVS Pharmacy at 3600 Cassopolis Street triggered a full evacuation Thursday, as Elkhart police called in the county bomb squad to x-ray the item and use a specialized disruptor during the investigation. No explosives were found in the briefcase, or in a second suspicious backpack technicians discovered nearby.
According to the Elkhart Police Department, a CVS employee called to report a briefcase outside the store. Officers responded to the scene at 3600 Cassopolis Street, evacuated all employees and customers, and blocked off the store and parking lot entrances while they requested help from the Elkhart County Bomb Squad, the department said.
X-Rays Reveal Concerning Shapes
Bomb squad technicians ran an x-ray examination of the briefcase that showed what the department described as concerning shapes and metal objects inside. Technicians deployed a PAN disruptor during the investigation.
Bomb squad members also spotted a second suspicious item — a backpack sitting inside a locked, fenced area near the north side of the building — and investigated that as well.
No Threats Found, Store Reopens
The bomb squad ultimately found no explosive devices in either the briefcase or the backpack, and police said the public faces no continuing threat. Police and bomb-squad members began leaving the scene, and CVS reopened for business shortly afterward.
The CVS Pharmacy is located at 3600 Cassopolis Street in Elkhart.
Other Bomb-Related Calls
Thursday's callout comes just over a week after Elkhart police investigated a separate bomb threat at Elkhart High School's Freshman Division campus. The report was described as unsubstantiated and not credible, Elkhart school bomb scare turns out fake reported at the time.
The Elkhart County Bomb Squad also responds to suspicious-package calls.
What the Law Says About Hoax Devices
Indiana law treats fake bomb devices seriously. Under Indiana Code § 35-47.5-5-6, the law covers manufacturing, possessing, transporting, distributing, or using a hoax device or replica with intent to cause another to believe it is a destructive device or detonator, according to legal reference site Justia. The briefcase and backpack were investigated as suspicious items, and no explosives were found.
Police reiterated standard guidance for anyone who comes across an unattended or suspicious package: do not touch, move, or open it. Instead, move away, warn others to stay clear, and call 911 immediately, advice that lines up with public safety guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security.
