Fake Bomb in Hanover Under Investigation

By Kirsten Dize
A suspicious package at a Hanover rental car business drew two bomb squads and initiated a four-hour on scene investigation Friday night.

The package was deemed a fake bomb and the investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to a release from the Maryland State Fire Marshal's office.

Around 8:28 p.m. employees at Avis Car Rental in the 7400 block of New Ridge Road in Hanover found a package near the vehicle return cleaning area, the release states. Because the employees thought the package was suspicious, they contacted emergency service personnel, according to the fire marshal's office.

Bomb technicians examined the package using a robot and determined the package was a hoax device, the release states.

A canine unit searched the entire area and ruled it was safe. Personnel worked at the scene for more than four hours to make sure there were no further hazards.

The Maryland State Bomb Squad, Annapolis City Bomb Squad, Anne Arundel County Fire Marshal's Office, Maryland Transportation Authority, Anne Arundel Fire Department & Rescue and BWI Fire Department responded to the scene.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal's office and Maryland Transportation Authority are jointly conducting an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information about Friday's incident can call the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office, Bomb Squad at 410-859-7152.