Bend state-county offices evacuated, area cleared due to suspicious package outside DHS; turns out to be hygiene products

(Update More details, comments; 2nd evacuation in less than a week)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) --The state of Oregon and Deschutes county offices at 1300 NW Wall Street in downtown Bend were evacuated and the area and roads were closed at the noon hour Tuesday after a suspicious package was found at the front door of the Oregon Department of Human Services. It turned out to be only hygiene products.

Within minutes of the discovery, the building that houses state and Deschutes County offices was evacuated as agencies worked together.

There was concern it could be an explosive device, so the area was cleared and streets closed. But Sergeant Jason Wall said in an update around 1:35 p.m., "The Oregon State Police Bomb Squad determined the suspicious package to be hygiene products and NOT a device. At this time there is no danger to the public."

"Law enforcement appreciates the public's patience as we methodically open roadways and access to the area and buildings," the sergeant added.

On the scene, Lt. Bryan Husband told NewsChannel 21, "Thankfully, we have a great working relationship with the (Bend) Police Department. Their response was fantastic - definitely appreciate them assisting with this. We were able to block off the entrances to the area. evacuate people from the immediate area around the suspicious package. And it's just a good interagency, cooperation and took care of the problem.”

Earlier, Wall had said, "We ask the public to please avoid the area, as there is heavy law enforcement presence, as well as road closures. Law enforcement is currently investigating the suspicious package and attempting to render the area safe."

"The Oregon State Police Bomb Squad is assisting the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office with the investigation," the sergeant said.

"We ask that the public report to Deschutes County 911 any suspicious person(s), vehicles, or packages immediately," Wall added. "More information will be released when it becomes available."

In an apparent coincidence, Deschutes County officials confirmed Tuesday that last Friday around 5:30 p.m., the county received a bomb threat via email referencing the same building, at 1300 NW Wall Street.

The same email (with a different named address) was sent to several other counties in the state, officials said. DCSO searched the building and found no devices or anything suspicious, and the building was cleared for re-entry.