Atlantic City Courthouse Evacuated for Suspicious Item

The Atlantic City Civil Courthouse on Bacharach Boulevard and North Carolina Avenue was evacuated briefly after an Atlantic County Sheriff’s Officer spotted what appeared to be a suspicious item in a trash can on the first floor of the building.

At about 9:55 a.m., Officer Dave Nguyen spotted the item while on routine patrol, the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday afternoon.

He immediately notified the sergeant’s desk, and the courthouse was evacuated.

The Atlantic City Police Department Bomb Squad responded, along with the support of K-9 Sheriff’s Officer Tonya Perendas and her bomb sniffing partner Dyno. The Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office secured the area while the suspicious item was being x-rayed and ultimately deemed safe.

“My greatest concern following the evacuation was that everyone that was evacuated was moved to a safe, warm, and secure location since many were without their coats and or personal belongings,” Atlantic County Sheriff Frank X. Balles said. “The County Office Building was utilized while the item was inspected, and was able to accommodate the needs of all involved. It was a great job by all who assisted in this incident.”

The County Office Building is located one block from the courthouse. The building was evacuated for about an hour and 15 minutes.

The item in question was a canvas bag with plastic pieces connected to it.

It did appear suspicious in nature and was confirmed safe without further incident, the Sheriff’s Office said.

All vehicular traffic was directed away from the courthouse while the incident took place.