Bomb Squad Called to Hyattsville Shopping Area

»»Subscribe to the daily Bowie email newsletter.

While it turned out to be nothing more than a stray backpack, the empty bag drew a bomb-sniffing dog and robot to Hyattsville Monday.

The Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department’s Bomb Squad was called to help identify the suspicious package found in a shopping area, according to PIO Mark Brady. The incident occurred in the 3500 block of East-West Highway.

Officers with the Bomb Squad used their robot to ensure the contents of an unattended book bag were not explosive.

The City of Hyattsville Police Department and the University of Maryland Explosives Canine Unit assisted on the call.

»Photos of the Prince George’s County bomb squad robot, and University of Maryland explosives canine courtesy of Mark E. Brady.