Dobbins ARB, Marietta Police respond to bomb threat Published March 12, 2009 By Master Sgt. Stan Coleman 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Security forces members here responded to an incident March 11 at 4:45 p.m. after a man arrived at the main gate, parked his vehicle and stated there were dangerous materials inside. The suspect entered the area driving a sedan and stopped about 50 feet from the guard shack, said Col. Steven H. Slick, 94th Mission Support Group commander during a press conference today with the local Atlanta media. "The individual exited his vehicle and began behaving in a manner that led us to believe he had some kind of problem," said Colonel Slick. "He mentioned he had various unsafe items in the car to include an explosive device." The 94th Security Forces Squadron immediately detained the individual. "There was a great concern that the items in the car that presented a possible threat to the safety and security of the main gate and the immediate area," said the colonel. Base officials then isolated the suspect's vehicle and dispatched an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to investigate the sedan further. They were joined by members of the Marietta Police Department and the Marietta Fire Department who assisted in the incident response. "We used a robotic device that utilized lights and cameras and is able to move items in the vehicle, said Master Sgt. Brad McKinney, 94th EOD flight chief. "Whenever possible, we use remote devices to ensure we are not exposing anyone to any unnecessary hazards." The amount of items that were in the suspicious automobile driven by the suspect made it difficult to determine any level of explosive hazard, said Sergeant McKinney. "We utilized an individual in a bomb suit to remotely remove more items with ropes from a safe distance," said the sergeant. "Afterwards, we placed a couple of mineral water bottle charges in the vehicle. In essence, our team used highly pressurized water to disrupt the contents inside the car. This method was effective in that it was not very intrusive and did not result in excessive damage. A robotic device and an EOD specialist outfitted in a bomb suit then analyzed the vehicle and determined there were no other hazards inside. "We want to thank the City of Marietta for the assistance of their police and fire departments in this matter," said Colonel Slick. "We enjoy great relationships with the public safety organizations of Cobb County and the City of Marietta. Both agencies played a vital role in securing the scene while helping to ensure no one from the public was in peril." The individual who made the threats and drove the vehicle onto the base is in now in custody of the Marietta Police Department. "The security teams from Dobbins conducted a textbook response to this type of situation," said Officer Mark Bishop of the Marietta Police Department. "They were extremely easy to work with and the consummate professionals."
