Panic in the Mall!

News-Herald.com – Willoughby,OH,USA

written by: Jacob Lammers JLammers@News-Herald.com

08/06/2008

No explosives were found late Tuesday afternoon when police inspected a suspiciously placed gray and red duffel bag under the night deposit drop at Third Federal Saving and Loan in Points East Plaza at the corner of Routes 20 and 306 in Mentor.

Mentor police Lt. Timothy Trask said police got a call of a “suspicious package” about 4:05 p.m. and proceeded to cordon off the area, evacuating the bank and the neighboring Play It Again Sports.
Businesses were reopened after police discovered the bag was safe and contained a pair of snowboarding boots, Trask said.

Those inside Marshall’s and Francesco’s Salon and Spa were told to stay in the back of the store, away from the windows, and they could leave but not return. “We kept working with the clients and staying away from the windows, and then it was time to get out,” Francesco’s receptionist Mary Slaper said. “After four kids and three grandchildren, nothing freaks me out. If it’s my time, it’s my time. I mean, what can you do?”
Responding were several Mentor police, Mentor Fire and Rescue, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Bomb Unit and the Explosive Ordinance Disposal team, serving Mentor and Lake County.
The investigation utilized X-ray technology and a one-armed robot that rolled on wheels.

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