Bomb Squad called out to gas station in Wauwatosa after suspicious device found near pump

WAUWATOSA -- The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office's Bomb Squad was called out to the Speedway gas station near 68th and North Avenue on Sunday morning, August 23rd for a report of a suspicious object.

It was reported that a pipe with two end caps was seen sitting next to a gas pump at the gas station.

After observing the object, Wauwatosa police called the Bomb Squad to the scene.

The nearby intersection was blocked off, and those who live in the area were asked to stay inside their homes.

Bomb Squad officials used a robotic bomb disposal unit which carefully carried the pipe to a sandbagged area in the street -- and then worked to shoot off one of the end caps on the pipe so officials could take a look inside. It was determined the object was not explosive.

But the loud noise still startled some who live nearby. Thomas McCreary was forced to stay inside his home.

"When we heard them go off, I felt a little shake of the house when it went off in the street. Is it terrorism? You just don't know. It's kind of disarming," Thomas McCreary said.

"It is a little scary. I wasn't sure how serious it was. I would think if something blew up at a gas station, that would be pretty devastating. I would assume, nine times out of 10 when they get a call like that it`s probably nothing, but better to be safe than sorry," Adam Michalak said.



Police say there was never any bomb threat made to the gas station or nearby businesses.

At least two nearby businesses were impacted as the Bomb Squad worked near the gas station Sunday: Managers at Bel Air Cantina tell FOX6 News police asked that they not open until the situation was resolved. And Tosa Yoga had a room full of customers that had to evacuate as a precaution.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.