A camouflage backpack left near the front entrance of the Santee Sheriff's station on Thursday afternoon set off a significant public safety response, prompting a helicopter search, street closures, and a Bomb/Arson investigation before detectives determined there was no threat to the public.

A station staffer spotted the unattended pack near the entrance at 12:24 p.m. Surveillance footage showed a man on a bicycle dropping it off without contacting anyone inside. Deputies immediately secured the area and called in the Sheriff's Bomb/Arson detectives.

With a helicopter issuing public address announcements over the area and patrol deputies searching for the individual, Bomb/Arson detectives examined the backpack and found what appeared to be military-style equipment. Streets and sidewalks adjacent to the station were temporarily closed as a precaution.

Upon further examination, detectives recovered multiple rounds of high-powered ammunition from inside the pack. The situation was ultimately rendered safe — and investigators identified the man who left it there.

"It has been determined no crime was committed and there is no threat to the community," said Sergeant Steve Chambers. He added a note for anyone in a similar situation: "The Sheriff's Office would like to remind individuals wanting to turn over property to contact staff so we can properly take custody of it."

Source: East County Magazine / Miriam Raftery