A California neighborhood was locked down Sunday after a stash of mysterious bottles and cans plastered with “biohazard” warnings and “top secret” markings sparked a bomb squad response.
The suspicious containers were discovered near Castellanos Drive and Vandegrift Boulevard in Oceanside’s North Valley neighborhood at around 10:15 a.m., according to Fox 5.
The Oceanside Fire Department dispatched a hazmat team to investigate the find before calling in the San Diego County Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit as a precaution.
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The cans and bottles were marked with biohazard warnings, wrapped with caution tape and had the words “top secret” written on them, officials said.
Emergency crews established a perimeter around the items while hazmat specialists and sheriff’s officials worked to determine what was inside.
Authorities shut down Vandegrift Boulevard between Castellanos Drive and East Parker Street as the investigation unfolded.
Residents in the 700 block of Arthur Avenue and the 4900 block of El Mirlo Drive were also told to shelter in place during the response, Fox 5 reported.
The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, but authorities have not said when the road will reopen.
Officials revealed there is no longer an explosive hazard threat, but have not yet confirmed whether the containers hold an explosive or hazardous substance.
No injuries have been reported.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging the public to avoid the area and follow instructions from emergency crews.
