Bomb scare in Roodhouse Sunday afternoon
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By Carmen Ensinger
A roughly eight block area of Roodhouse, including the Square and adjacent streets, was evacuated Sunday afternoon when it was thought there might be an explosive device in a residence.
According to a press release from Roodhouse Police Chief Kyle Robison, the Roodhouse Police Department was contacted by a female subject requesting an officer to respond to 215 West Franklin Street.
“The officer was informed that when the female subject entered the residence, a trip wire at the door set off an alarm,” Robison said. “An investigation began, and considering the information available, the officer responded by setting up a perimeter and making the appropriate calls for additional resources.”
Several law enforcement agencies, multiple fire departments and first responders responded to assist. The area was evacuated as part of the effort to keep the public safe.
“We also needed time to figure out what the object was,” Robison said. “Therefore, we requested the assistance from the Illinois Secretary of State Police Bomb Squad, who responded immediately with their equipment, expertise and resources.”
Robison said it was determined that the object in question was not an explosive device.
“The area was deemed safe and secure for people to return home to,” Robison said. “It should also be noted that there is no reason to believe any other threats exist to the public.”
Because this is an active investigation being handled by his department, Robison said that currently, this is all the information he can discuss at this time.
“A final report will be sent to the Office of the States Attorney for review in the coming days,” Robison said. “I would like to thank our officers, additional law enforcement agencies, local fire departments, first responders and the Illinois Secretary of State Police for their quick response.”
Robison said he would also like to extend thanks to the community for their cooperation in this matter.
“Our goal is to keep the public safe,” he said. “We have some hard-working people in this community who train to keep people safe. We will continue to improve and learn from situations like this which, in turn, will make our response more effective.”
