TPD looks into Halloween gag

The Tallahassee Police Department is investigating whether criminal intent was a factor in the placing of a “suspected bomb” in a vehicle on a property near Florida A&M’s campus Wednesday. The department would not release what time they responded to a call about a “strange device” inside a vehicle at Sheffield Auto and Truck Body at 2203 South Adams Street. Authorities reported that, “[The device] appeared not be real but precautions were still taken in removing it from the vehicle.” TPD along with the Big Bend Bomb squad investigated several other buildings in the area. Officer Derek Friend said pending investigation, there might be a charge of possession of hoax. “Right now we’re trying to figure out why [the device] was in the car,” Friend said. “If this was done as a prank, a threat or just to get a response, that could result in criminal charges.” Brian Jones, 27, of Jacksonville, is the manager of a music store on South Adams Street and said when he arrived at 11:30 a.m. he noticed TPD shutting down the street but thought nothing of it. Jones said, “The police told me they found something that looked like a bomb in a car and that we should either stay inside or leave.” Jones said when he left at noon there was a full bomb squad dispatched. “There wasn’t a real feeling of panic but I still thought it would be best to leave just to be safe,” Jones said.