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Bomb scare forces evacuations

The Tampa Bomb Squad responded when a backpack was found off Belcher Road. Nothing dangerous was found.

By JACOB H. FRIES
Published April 19, 2006

	[Times photo: Douglas R. Clifford]
	A Tampa Bomb Squad member sifts through a container of sprinkler fittings.

LARGO - A suspicious backpack found Wednesday morning in a set of bushes outside a restaurant on Belcher Road prompted authorities to call the Tampa Bomb Squad.

Turns out, the backpack contained pieces of sprinkler heads, plastic pipe, plastic containers, a soda can and some papers - but no bomb, said Largo police Capt. James Precious.

"Given the times, we err on the side of caution in these matters," Precious said. "There was a lot of energy expended, but it was certainly worth it to us."

A man leaving the Belcher Family Restaurant at 1479 S Belcher reported the suspicious bag at 10:30 a.m., Precious said. Firefighters responded, then called police. Officers then contacted the Tampa Bomb Squad as they evacuated about 10 businesses in the area.

The squad arrived about 11:30 a.m., had a robot evaluate the bag, followed by a man in protective gear, Precious said. Among the items in the bag was a piece of paper with a man's name and number.

Investigators spoke with the man, who informed them he fixes sprinklers and that his truck had been stolen Tuesday, Precious said. The truck has not yet been found.

"We just followed out procedures to the letter, but of course, it turned out to be benign," he said.

[Last modified April 19, 2006, 15:05:31]