Part of Creek Turnpike briefly shut down after suspicious suitcases found
BY AMANDA BLAND World Staff Writer
Monday, January 28, 2013
1/28/13 at 12:06 PM
JENKS — A portion of the Creek Turnpike in Jenks was closed for a short time Monday morning as the Oklahoma Highway Patrol investigated two suspicious suitcases.
Troopers closed westbound lanes of the turnpike near the Jenks toll plaza at Peoria Avenue (Elm Street) at 4:25 a.m. after a caller reported someone had left the bags.
The turnpike was closed for about 3½ hours while the OHP’s bomb squad investigated the potential threat using a robot and X-ray technology.
The luggage was returned to its owner after troopers determined the suitcases contained personal items that were not explosive or dangerous, Lt. George Brown said.
The bags fell from a pickup and were apparently moved by a passing motorist, troopers said. Another motorist who saw the passer-by move the suitcases apparently called authorities.
The roadway was reopened around 8 a.m.
“This is the best outcome we could possibly ask for in this situation,” Brown said.
“It’s always a bad day when you lose luggage, but with the help of a kind-hearted passer-by and quick actions by investigating troopers and dispatchers, this person was able to receive their lost valuables.”
