On February 12th at approximately 2:00 pm, ACCPD received a Suspicious Package call from 2044 S. Milledge Avenue (InTown Suites.) ACCPD responded and spoke to a hotel employee who stated that while cleaning a guest room, a suspicious package was found. The employee believed it might be an explosive device. ACCPD investigated the suspicious package and believed it was a credible threat to public safety. ACCPD evacuated hotel guests and established a perimeter around the hotel. The University of Georgia Police Department’s Bomb Disposal Unit (UGAPD BDU) was called to the scene for further investigation.

UGAPD BDU remotely entered the guest room and removed multiple explosive devices to a containment vessel.

ACCPD’s Criminal Investigation Bureau began investigating the incident. Through interviews, ACCPD believes the devices removed by UGAPD BDU are modified, commercially available fireworks.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident to determine if charges will be filed in this case.

ACCPD appreciates the support of our partners in this investigation who established a unified command post consisting of representatives from Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Athens-Clarke County Fire and Emergency Services, Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Athens-Clarke Emergency Management Agency, National EMS and the University of Georgia Police Department’s Bomb Disposal Unit.

ACCPD reminds the public that fireworks, when used safely under proper conditions, are legal. However, modifying fireworks can be unlawful and dangerous.