Early Thursday morning, at 6:37 am, a call went in to authorities from a staff member at the Wasilla Veterans Affairs Clinic at 865 North Seward Meridian Parkway reporting a suspicious duffle bag with wires protruding from it  near the back door of the clinic.

She informed troopers that she had not touched the item prior to calling. Four troopers responded to the clinic and advised all to stay a safe distance from the immediate area where the suspicious bag was located. The building was also evacuated.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team from Joint Base Elmendorf-Fort Richardson was contacted and the team advised on safe distances from the suspicious package.  Troopers set up a wide perimeter around the area and informed other business owners of the need to stay away from the immediate area. Command personnel from the Mat-Su Emergency Medical Services assisted in maintaining the perimeter.

Alaska State Troopers took high resolution pictures from various angles  in an effort to determine the true nature of the contents of the duffle bag. After scrutinizing the images, it was determined that the duffel bag was full of sound equipment, an empty tote and an amplifier with cords.

JBER EOD was informed of the discovery and the perimeter was withdrawn at 7:22 am. A walk through of the clinic was performed and employees were allowed back into the building.

After investigating the duffel further, it was found that the duffel was inadvertently left behind by contractors working in the building on Wednesday night.

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