Police find "credible explosive device" at Albuquerque rental car facility
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Federal and local authorities declared a suspicious device found on a rental car at Albuquerque's airport to be safe Sunday and are now launching investigations into how it got there.
Avis Budget Rental next to the Albuquerque International Sunport was initially shut down when the device was found during a check of a returned car, police spokesman Simon Drobik said. A bomb unit was called in to secure the device.
Device has been rendered safe. All areas of @ABQSunport and rental car facility now open. @FBIAlbuquerque & @ATFHQ handling investigation.
— Albuquerque Police (@ABQPOLICE) February 14, 2016
CBS affiliate KRQE reported that officials say a "safe and credible explosive device," was found under a car while being checked after a rental return.
Meanwhile, travelers returning cars were diverted to another lot. But the airport remained open and no flights were affected.
The device appeared to be some sort of pipe bomb, KRQE reported.
Flights unaffected by situation at rental car facility. Returns handled at temp lot. Pick-ups still halted. Follow @ABQPOLICE for updates.
— ABQ Sunport (@ABQSunport) February 14, 2016
Drobik said the police bomb unit initially inspected the device but has now handed it over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Agents from ATF and the FBI will conduct a separate investigation. They will look into the location from where the vehicle was rented and who was the last to occupy it, Drobik said.
All roads in the area reopened by the early afternoon. Police also declared a parking terminal secure.