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Ticking package forces post office closure
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
Police closed off the Benson Post Office for several hours Monday because a package was ticking.
Benson Police Chief Paul Moncada said around 10:47 a.m. they were notified by the Postmaster out of Tucson that there was a suspect package at Benson Post Office on Ocotillo Avenue.
Moncada said after postal employees in Benson heard the ticking they notified the postmaster, who then contacted authorities.
Following procedure, city crews closed off Ocotillo Avenue in front of the Post Office while bomb technicians were called in to clear the scene.
Moncada said it took longer than expected because the bomb tech with the Cochise County Sheriff's Officet did not have the proper equipment to handle the package.
With Benson police and firefighters standing by, the post office remained closed while they waited for the postmaster to bring an x-ray machine and the Arizona Department of Public Safety bomb technician to arrive from Tucson.
Moncada said they tried to x-ray the package, but the equipment didn't work correctly, so the bomb technician shot at the package to disarm it, or destroy it. As the package was shot, Benson firefighters stood by with a hose ready for backup in case it did ignite.
Moncada said the package turned out to be a wall clock that had been sent from Clifton.
The Clifton resident who sent the package was expected to be questioned Tuesday.
Moncada said residents who send a clock or any kind of device that might be ticking should always remember to remove batteries.
In this case, Moncada said the postal clerk in Clifton should never have accepted the package.
While crews worked to clear the scene, city workers helped keep the street clear while having to deal with angry residents unhappy that they could not access the post office.
Benson Fire Chief Keith Spangler said while it may have been an inconvenience for residents, the precautions are important for public safety. If the package had turned out to be an explosive device, a lot of people could have been hurt, he said.
Police closed off the Benson Post Office for several hours Monday because a package was ticking.
Benson Police Chief Paul Moncada said around 10:47 a.m. they were notified by the Postmaster out of Tucson that there was a suspect package at Benson Post Office on Ocotillo Avenue.
Moncada said after postal employees in Benson heard the ticking they notified the postmaster, who then contacted authorities.
Following procedure, city crews closed off Ocotillo Avenue in front of the Post Office while bomb technicians were called in to clear the scene.
Moncada said it took longer than expected because the bomb tech with the Cochise County Sheriff's Officet did not have the proper equipment to handle the package.
With Benson police and firefighters standing by, the post office remained closed while they waited for the postmaster to bring an x-ray machine and the Arizona Department of Public Safety bomb technician to arrive from Tucson.
Moncada said they tried to x-ray the package, but the equipment didn't work correctly, so the bomb technician shot at the package to disarm it, or destroy it. As the package was shot, Benson firefighters stood by with a hose ready for backup in case it did ignite.
Moncada said the package turned out to be a wall clock that had been sent from Clifton.
The Clifton resident who sent the package was expected to be questioned Tuesday.
Moncada said residents who send a clock or any kind of device that might be ticking should always remember to remove batteries.
In this case, Moncada said the postal clerk in Clifton should never have accepted the package.
While crews worked to clear the scene, city workers helped keep the street clear while having to deal with angry residents unhappy that they could not access the post office.
Benson Fire Chief Keith Spangler said while it may have been an inconvenience for residents, the precautions are important for public safety. If the package had turned out to be an explosive device, a lot of people could have been hurt, he said.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
Billy wrote on Dec 10, 2009 2:10 PM:
" Homeland Security has now received a full report on the “Killer Clock.”This will allow the City Manager to apply for a security grant. Thelma Grimes did not have to travel far for this story and postal patrons enjoyed some fresh air. City workers helped keep the street clear while having to deal with angry residents, not much change there. Happy Holidays! "
Vigilante wrote on Dec 10, 2009 10:30 PM:
" The saddest part is it made the paper. So glad Moncada was there to give commentary. Such a big event I'm surprised he didn't call a press conference. "
Tired of the complaints wrote on Dec 11, 2009 12:41 AM:
" You guys should do some research before you write. First of all, they didn't shoot the package with a gun like the article makes it sound like. The bomb techs used what is called a disruptor. Basically a very high powered water gun that shoots a stream of water to disarm any explosives. Second of all, the attitude of "It can never happen here" is what gets people killed!!! You people that are so critical of the emergency services are the same ones that would be screaming for heads to roll if the package happened to be dangerous and people got hurt because the emergency crews didn't secure the area and follow proper procedures. What would you prefer for a response? Maybe next time they should just let people go on like nothing is wrong and hope it doesn't blow up. Third, you complain that there isn't proper equipment for the job! Then you complain if taxes have to be raised to pay for it. Way to go guys, you sit all day long and read a paper that you apparently hate, living in a city you can't stand that isn't run like you think it should be and criticize every little thing. If you don't like this place then please LEAVE!!! "
negodki wrote on Dec 11, 2009 9:39 AM:
" In real life, unlike Hollywood productions, the timers on explosive devices rarely (if ever) make a ticking sound, and NEVER have an LED countdown timer display. If our post office, police, sheriff and ADPS staff had any training in dangerous objects, they would know this and not wasted the taxpayer's time and dollars blocking traffic and shooting an innocuous clock.
Furthermore, had the package actually contained an explosive device, shooting at it could have blown up the entire neighborhood.
Are you sure they weren't making a Keystone Kops or Three Stooges movie? "
Furthermore, had the package actually contained an explosive device, shooting at it could have blown up the entire neighborhood.
Are you sure they weren't making a Keystone Kops or Three Stooges movie? "
jjkith wrote on Dec 11, 2009 9:43 AM:
" A comedy of errors indeed...what if this had been a dirty bomb...? "
Alice B. wrote on Dec 11, 2009 12:49 PM:
" Tired of the complaints. Maybe you should check yourself into SEABHS to get your Henny Penny complex treated. While you are there, borrow some money and take a few Cadillac trips. The post office fiasco was not because they did not have people or equipment. But that the proper people and equipment were not at the scene. Confusion prevailed. Tax money had been spent for proper equipment and training but they were not properly utilized. They made mistakes and admitted it. Unlike you, they will learn from it. We will never leave. People like you make our stay enjoyable. "
Vigilante wrote on Dec 11, 2009 1:50 PM:
" Yea maybe next time the overhyped, terrorism indoctrinated postal worker could just open the box and see it's a clock instead of pushing the panic button. "
Unhappy New Resident wrote on Dec 12, 2009 2:49 PM:
" The sarcastic comments made about the post office incident were really uncalled for. Residents around here seem so ungrateful for the effort made by the Depts to keep them safe, that it is really sad. Benson, in my book, isn't the greatest place to live, but it is home and we should support the Depts. around us. "
stella l. steffey wrote on Dec 12, 2009 4:59 PM:
" I am in Mi. but I always loved Benson and had a steakhouse there, DIAMOND STAR SOLD TO RUMSLEYS AND IT BURNED DOWN- but seriously- clocks ticking is hard to believe but someone must have thought they were doing a good deed by putting batteries in it- better safe than sorry to check- BOMBS CAN HAPPEN- IT DID IN 1973 AS A TRAIN CARS EXPLODED IN TEXAS CANYON- AND A FEW MINUTES LATER IF HAD GOT INTO TOWN- ALOT OF PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED- LOOKED LIKE SMALL PICTURE OF ATOMIC BOMB EXPLODING!!!! SO DONT THINK IT CAN'T HAPPEN- THE OLD RESIDENTS I AM SURE REMEMBER- SHOOK EVERYTHING AND CRACKED OUR MEAT CUTTING ROOM FLOOR AND PREP/AND DISH ROOM/ GLAD IT WAS NOTHING SERIOUS-WE WERE ACROSS STREET FROM RUIEZ'S MEXICAN RESTURANT ON Bi10--- "
Nana wrote on Dec 9, 2009 3:16 PM:
They did not have the proper equipment to handle the package. So different people and equipment were brought in. This equipment also did not work correctly. So they shot the package!!!!! Benson police were standing by to arrest a clock shot full of holes. Our tax dollars at work. Yea team. "