Bomb Brought to Police Station Prompts Hercules Evacuations

PINOLE, CA- Pinole Police remind residents to never handle, pick-up or transport any suspected explosive after a possible explosive device was hand delivered into the Hercules Police Department Wednesday afternoon, prompting evacuations and shelter-in-place orders at nearby buildings.

At 2:58 p.m., a citizen came to the Hercules Police Department with what he believed was a fake bomb to have it disposed of, Hercules police spokeswoman Connie Van Putten said.
Upon inspection, it was determined that it was possibly a real explosive device and a bomb squad was called at 3:05 p.m. to examine it further, she said.

At the same time, the combined police department and city hall at 111 Civic Drive was evacuated.

The Hercules Senior Center, Samara Terrace Senior Apartments and Hercules Library - all buildings in close proximity - have been ordered to shelter in place.

Shortly after 3 p.m., the building was evacuated and people in the Hercules Senior Center, Samara Terrace Senior Apartments and Hercules Library - all buildings in close proximity - were ordered to shelter in place. Van Putten said children inside the nearby library have been evacuated as well.

Families of these children have been taking them away from the area. As of 4:15 p.m., the bomb squad had arrived at the scene.

The evacuation and shelter in place orders were still active around 5 p.m.

Pinole Police Department reminds residents, “Even if you think it is fake, leave it in place and call 911,” Pinole Police Department reminded in a social media post.

Bay City News contributed to this post