Suspicious package causes courthouse closure

BY BRUCE BRANUM

The Greenville Standard

 

A suspicious package found outside of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office at the Butler County Courthouse early in the morning, Tuesday, Jan. 14, led Butler County Sheriff Danny Bond to close the courthouse and the surrounding roads leading to the courthouse.

Bond said the package was placed at the door and was addressed to someone not working in the Sheriff’s Office or courthouse.

Bond found the addressee and that person said they were not expecting a package.

Bond said, “After finding out that information I decided to it was best to be on the safe side and close the courthouse and roads leading into it. It may not be anything but for everyone’s safety, I feel it is the right course of action.”

By 9 a.m., City of Greenville roads crews had blocked off the roads.

According to Bond, the bomb squad from Montgomery was contacted and was expected to take the package and blow it up.

“I also contacted the State Bureau of Investigation and they are also on the way,” said Bond.

When the bomb squad arrived, the bomb technician donned his protective gear and attended to the package.

Determining the package was not likely a bomb, the technician opened the package on the landing leading into the Sheriff’s Office.

Bond stated the package only contained personal effects and that he wanted to question the suspect believed to have dropped off the package.

“It cost the county, city, law enforcement, and local businesses a lot of money, time, and resources,” said Bond.