A remote controlled I-Pack robot makes its way back to explosive ordnance disposal personnel after investigating a suspicious package near the Yongsan Garrison post office Thursday. (Jimmy Norris / S&S)
A remote controlled I-Pack robot makes its way back to explosive ordnance disposal personnel after investigating a suspicious package near the Yongsan Garrison post office Thursday. (Jimmy Norris / S&S)
Spc. Steve Fitzpatrick, 718th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, works the controls of the I-Pack robot. (Jimmy Norris / S&S)
YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea — Buildings were evacuated, traffic was snarled and bystanders looked on for more than an hour as emergency personnel investigated a suspicious package on Yongsan Garrison on Thursday.
A postal employee called military police after he discovered a black backpack near the post office loading dock, security officials on the scene said.
Ricky Oxendine, Yongsan Garrison director of emergency services, said military police arrived within a minute or two to block traffic and evacuate the library, Gallery concession mall, education center and post office.
Military working dogs from the 14th MP Detachment and a robot from the 718th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company eventually joined fire engines and police cars at the scene.
Investigators ultimately determined that the package was harmless and contained only clothing.
Yongsan Garrison spokesman David McNally said emergency personnel followed standard procedure for a suspicious package.
