News Release-Further Info: Bomb Squad Investigates Two Suspicious Bags, No Threats Found, 9.24.26

News Release-Further Info: Bomb Squad Investigates Two Suspicious Bags at 3600 Cassopolis St, No Threats Found, 9.24.26

The Elkhart County Bomb Squad investigated a suspicious briefcase and backpack located earlier today outside 3600 Cassopolis St (CVS). Bomb Squad techs safely opened both suspicious items. There were no explosive devices and there is no continuing threat to the public.

Today, September 24, 2026, at approximately 12:07 p.m., the Elkhart City 911 Communications Center received a 911 call from a CVS employee reporting a suspicious briefcase outside an entrance on the north side of the store at 3600 Cassopolis St.

Elkhart Police Department officers responded to the scene shortly thereafter. Based on the circumstances, officers requested assistance from the Elkhart County Bomb Squad and quickly and safely evacuated all store employees and customers. Officers also blocked the store and parking lot entrances while the investigation continued.

The Elkhart County Bomb Squad, which is staffed by Elkhart Police Department officers with highly specialized training, arrived at approximately 12:40 p.m.

Bomb Squad technicians conducted an X-ray examination of the briefcase. While the contents could not be immediately identified, the X-ray showed concerning shapes and metal objects. Based on those findings and the suspicious location of the briefcase, Bomb Squad technicians deployed a PAN disruptor to open the package.

As a safety precaution, portions of County Road 4 and Cassopolis Street near the building were briefly closed for approximately five minutes while the PAN disruptor was used. No explosive devices were found inside the briefcase.

While investigating the briefcase, Bomb Squad technicians also observed a suspicious backpack inside a locked, fenced area near the north side of the building. Out of an abundance of caution, technicians investigated the backpack as well. No explosive devices were found, and it was determined there was no further threat to the public.

EPD officers began reopening the parking lot and clearing the scene at approximately 3:25 p.m. The CVS reopened for business shortly thereafter.

No injuries were reported during the incident, and there is no further threat to the public.

EPD thanks the CVS employees for their cooperation throughout the investigation and for promptly calling 911 to report the suspicious package.

If you see a suspicious package or bag, do not touch, move, or open it. Instead, move away from the area, warn others to stay away, and call 911 immediately.

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