Bomb squad a ‘hoax’ with message for law enforcement

OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) – The ‘suspicious device’ reported in downtown Oakland has been deemed safe, according to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad.

Lieutenant Ray Kelly who is on the bomb squad with the Alameda County Sheriffs says it was a hoax designed to draw this exact large scale police response.

A message for law enforcement was left inside.

Kelly didn’t reveal what the message said exactly, and that is now part of the evidence that the FBI will investigate.

The device, that appeared to be a potential pipe bomb, forced evacuations around 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, according to police.

The device was reported near the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse.

Clay Street between 11th and 16th Streets closed while officers investigated.

As of 5:40 p.m., Clay St between 11th and 14th remain closed.

The bomb squad found the package wrapped in plastic in a planter box deep in dirt near a flag pole.

“We are working with our local and federal partners to keep the scene safe while we work the problem,” Alameda County Sheriff’s Office tweeted around 2:30 p.m.

According to SF BART, the 12th St Oakland City Center entrance in the Frank Ogawa Plaza is closed due to the police activity, but other entrances at 12th St station are open.

The FBI is the lead agency in the investigation.