A helicopter flew overhead and phones beeped with an AC Alert shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22. The alert warned people to stay away from the area near Sixth Street and Taylor Avenue, where Alameda Police Department (APD) and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office were investigating a “suspicious item.”
The investigation ensued after crew members from Alameda’s Public Works Department discovered a “suspicious item” in a storm drain while performing routine maintenance at approximately 10:15 a.m., according to an APD report on Facebook. The crew immediately ceased work and contacted APD.
By 10:30 a.m., APD officers notified the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and, as a precaution, the area near Sixth Street and Taylor Avenue were closed to all traffic.
The EOD Unit arrived at the scene and assumed control of the investigation, according to the APD report.
“After conducting a series of scans, the item was identified as an old pipe bomb,” the APD report stated. “While the combustible materials appeared to have deteriorated over time, the EOD Unit took appropriate action to safely neutralize the device.”
After the scene was cleared as safe, APD reopened the streets to traffic. No injuries were reported. Alameda’s famous pig, Bosco, who lives nearby, was also unaffected.
“We want to thank the community for their patience and cooperation as we worked to ensure public safety,” APD stated in the report. “This incident serves as an important reminder to avoid approaching active police or fire scenes. Keeping a safe distance allows emergency personnel to respond quickly, investigate thoroughly, and most importantly, ensure the safety of all community members.”
