DARMSTADT, Germany — Military police on Cambrai-Fritsch Casern evacuated a portion of the post for almost an hour Wednesday because of a suspicious suitcase.
A caller warned MPs that a suitcase sitting between trash containers across from the dining facility seemed suspicious, so the dining facility, fitness center, education center, vehicle registration, car care center and barracks were evacuated.
Members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Mannheim were called, but the area was cleared before they arrived.
Sgt. 1st Class William Shook, an MP with the 233rd Base Support Battalion, visually inspected the package and the surrounding area. During the inspection, he noticed the zipper was open on the suitcase, allowing him to see inside.
“I had an unobstructed view through the zipper opening. I used my flashlight to look inside and verify it was completely empty,” Shook said.
Base officials said they assume it was supposed to have been thrown away.
As a result of the threat, a performance by the American Indian group Great Plains Dancers was delayed. The group was supposed to perform at the dining facility at lunchtime in celebration of National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. The group later performed there to a much smaller crowd.
