Three suspicious packages on sidewalk cause brief scare in PB

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – The discovery of three military-style ammunition boxes on a Pacific Beach sidewalk Tuesday prompted evacuations in the area until a bomb squad determined the containers were empty.

The olive-green metal cases were found next to a stop sign at Fanuel Street and Thomas Avenue shortly after 11 a.m., according to police and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Officers shut down stretches of the roadways and cleared people out of the immediate area while an explosives team responded.

About 12:45 p.m., a bomb squad member in body armor examined the boxes, finding nothing inside, SDFRD spokesman Maurice Luque said.

Authorities then gave an all-clear and reopened the area to the public.

The origin of the containers was unclear, Luque said.