NEWS RELEASE -- Sept. 18, 2013 - By OPVP Navajo President Shelly Applauds Timely Response to Emergency Calls; Gives NHA Kudos for Helping Redirect Traffic WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly applauded the timely response from various law enforcement agencies as authorities dealt with two suspicious packages that were treated as possible improvised explosive devices. About 8 a.m., Navajo police were summoned to the Prosecutors Office in the Window Rock Police Station because of a suspicious package that was found. The package was wrapped in duct tape and was the size of a shoebox. Authorities treated the package as a possible IED and evacuated the Navajo Police Department that housed nearly 300 people shortly after authorities arrived on scene Workers from the Department of Public Safety, the Navajo Police Department, the Prosecutor’s Office, Window Rock District Court and inmates were all evacuated and authorities closed Window Rock Blvd. to create a safe zone. A bomb inspector from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the New Mexico State Police Bomb Squad, were called to investigate the first package at the police department. Bomb squads arrived in Window Rock shortly before 11 a.m. Using x-ray technology; bomb experts determined the package was not explosive in nature. However, another call regarding a suspicious package was responded to shortly after 12 p.m. at the Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise store in Window Rock. Authorities quickly determined the package was non-explosive. “I want to thank all the responding authorities who put the safety of people first. We always need to exercise caution when suspicious activity is involved, especially when it means putting the lives of people on the line. We can’t be too safe in those situations,” President Shelly said. Navajo Nation Public Safety Division Director John Billison added that he was thankful that law enforcement agents responded quickly. “We train to respond to incidents in a timely manner. Today, we did so. Though the packages were found to be non-explosive, the responding officers did an excellent job at helping where they were needed,” Billison said. “Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, Navajo Housing Authority and the Navajo Government also need to be commended for their help and coordination as we redirected traffic through local neighborhoods, as well as other local law enforcement agencies,” Billison added. Deputies from Apache County Sheriff’s Office and McKinley County Sheriff’s Office also responded and helped direct traffic and create a safe zone. Authorities are actively investigating the incident. ###
Posted on: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 22:11:56 +0000
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