The story has been updated.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The discovery of a suspicious device at a Lakeport church on Sunday has led to authorities issuing an evacuation order and requesting the assistance of a bomb squad.
The city of Lakeport issued an alert shortly after noon on Sunday reporting that the Lakeport Police Department had discovered the device on the grounds of St. John's Episcopal Church, located at 1190 N. Forbes St.
Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen told Lake County News that the device’s component’s hadn’t yet been confirmed, but it appeared to have a power source, accelerant and shrapnel.
Police implemented an immediate evacuation area for the surrounding area of 11th Street, Forbes Street, Main Street and Clear Lake Avenue within 1,000 feet of the church and asked community members to avoid the area until further notice.
Resulting road closures included:
• 11th Street from North Main Street to Tunis Street;
• High Street from 14th Street to 11th Street;
• Clear Lake Avenue from North Main Street to High Street;
• Forbes Street from 10th Street to 15th Street.
Drivers are asked to use the following alternative routes:
• 15th Street and North High Street to and from North Main Street;
• 10th Street and Tunis Street to and from 11th Street.
Evacuees who need a place to wait out of the heat have been invited to Lakeport City Hall at 225 Park St.
Rasmussen said about 40 residents are in the evacuation area. Most didn’t evacuate and so were ordered to shelter in place, he said.
Shortly before 2 p.m., Rasmussen said a bomb squad was en route to assist with handling the device.
At that point, he said he didn’t yet know how the device would be disposed of, and that he would have to consult with the bomb squad.
Part of the concern is whether components can be preserved and recovered as evidence for the investigation, Rasmussen said.
Just before 2:25 p.m., Lakeport Fire was requested by the bomb squad to come to the area of North Main Street at Clear Lake Avenue, with units responding a few minutes later.
The city of Lakeport reported just before 3:45 p.m. that the suspicious device found near St. John's Episcopal Church had been rendered safe. The evacuation order was lifted and roads in the area have been reopened.
Law enforcement's investigation remains ongoing.
This is a developing story. More information will be published as it becomes available.
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