A California neighborhood was locked down Sunday after mysterious bottles and cans marked with “biohazard” warnings and “top secret” labels triggered a full bomb squad response.
The containers turned up near Castellanos Drive and Vandegrift Boulevard in Oceanside’s North Valley neighborhood at approximately 10:15 a.m., prompting a multi-agency emergency operation.
The Oceanside Fire Department initially sent a hazmat team to examine the find before escalating the call to include the San Diego County Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit as a precautionary measure.
Officials described the items as bottles and cans wrapped with caution tape, bearing biohazard warnings and the words “top secret” written on them.
Emergency crews quickly established a perimeter around the discovery site while hazmat specialists and sheriff’s officials worked to identify the contents.
Authorities shut down Vandegrift Boulevard between Castellanos Drive and East Parker Street as the investigation proceeded. Residents in the 700 block of Arthur Avenue and the 4900 block of El Mirlo Drive were ordered to shelter in place during the response.
The shelter-in-place directive has since been lifted, though officials have not announced when the closed road section will reopen to traffic.
Officials confirmed there is no longer an explosive hazard threat in the area. However, they have not yet determined whether the containers actually contained explosives or hazardous substances.
The investigation remains active, with authorities asking the public to stay clear of the area and comply with any instructions issued by emergency personnel on the scene.
