Police are investigating a hostage situation that turned into bomb threat at a bank in Ahwautukee Saturday morning.
The roadways surrounding the branch were shut down, and K-9's, officers, FBI agents and a bomb detection robot were called into action, after a bank employee was dropped off wearing what seemed like an explosive device.
Somehow the employee, who had been held hostage throughout the night, set off the alarm and alerted authorities.
"Our bomb squad came, they looked at the device, were able to remove it safely from her and found out, in fact, that it was not an explosive device, it was a fakem" said Sgt. Tommy Thompson, with Phoenix Police Department.
The bomb might have turned out to be fake, but that didn't stop investigators from carrying out a full investigation to examine the item.
Nearby shopping centers were blocked off and traffic had to be diverted for about three hours, just in case.
"It's really worrisome...it's hitting close to home, we live on the other side of the buildings here and anything could happen so close," said Scott Mortimer, who lives nearby.
Far from your basic bank robbery, police and the FBI are now looking for a man who could be charged with kidnapping too.
Anyone with information should contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:51 PM EDT2013-05-22 01:51:10 GMT
Just a few days after Mark Carson, 32, was killed for being gay, and only a few hours after a massive rally in the west village calling for an end to the anti-gay violence, it happened again.
Just a few days after Mark Carson, 32, was killed for being gay, and only a few hours after a massive rally in the west village calling for an end to the anti-gay violence, it happened again.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:17 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:17:02 GMT
For the first time since the death under mysterious circumstances of hop music mogul Chris Lighty nine months ago, his grieving mother is breaking her silence.
For the first time since the death under mysterious circumstances of hop music mogul Chris Lighty nine months ago, his grieving mother is breaking her silence.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:33 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:33:52 GMT
For 35 years, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been bringing its brand of contemporary dance to audiences around the world. One of the company's frequent stops is the Joyce Theater in Chelsea where it
For 35 years, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been bringing its brand of contemporary dance to audiences around the world. One of the company's frequent stops is the Joyce Theater in Chelsea where it
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:25:20 GMT
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and St. Regis Mohawk tribal leaders have signed an agreement to ensure the Mohawks keep their exclusive casino territory in northern New York while paying the state $30 million in gambling
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and St. Regis Mohawk tribal leaders have signed an agreement to ensure the Mohawks keep their exclusive casino territory in northern New York while paying the state $30 million in gambling
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:21:42 GMT
Revel is bankrupt no more. The struggling Atlantic City casino formally emerged from bankruptcy court on Tuesday, just 13 months after it opened with sky-high hopes.
Revel is bankrupt no more. The struggling Atlantic City casino formally emerged from bankruptcy court on Tuesday, just 13 months after it opened with sky-high hopes.
