Phoenix was on high alert yesterday as authorities responded to a bomb threat at the Arizona National Guard’s Papago Park Military Reservation. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, a driver arrived at the base’s entrance with a suspected military explosive device around 4 p.m. near 54th Street and McDowell Road. The device in question sparked immediate concern, but the individual was prevented from entering the base.
The situation escalated when the Phoenix Police Department’s bomb squad was summoned to take X-rays of the device, indicating a serious potential threat. As they believed to be of military grade, the officials from Luke Air Force Base were entrusted with the responsibility for its disposal, driving home the gravity of the situation. In a statement obtained by AZFamily, the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs confirmed that while the area was evacuated, the resultant gridlock was eventually eased, and normal traffic resumed around 6:45 p.m.
The driver, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, is being detained for interrogation by Phoenix police. Questions are being raised about how the individual came into possession of such a device, though no details about their intentions or background have been released at this time. Adding to the uncertainty, authorities have yet to provide specifics regarding the type of device recovered…