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Suspiciously placed briefcase triggers courthouse evacuation

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*A briefcase found under a trashcan liner by a maintenance worker on the north side of McKinley County Courthouse triggered an evacuation of the area March 28.

The worker was changing out the trash when he made the potentially troubling discovery.

Gallup Police Department Capt. Rick White said police responded to the scene at about 10:20 am.

But there was no bomb in the brown-colored briefcase, just some personal effects, such as artist pencils, deodorant, a macrame ring, a scarf, and a hat, McKinley County Sheriff's Office Deputy Roberta Jaramillo said.

Emergency responders were quick to evacuate the area of Third and Hill near the Courthouse, so New Mexico State Police Bomb Squad and local law enforcement agencies could secure the area and examine the contents of the briefcase.

McKinley County Office of Emergency Management Director Anthony Dimas said that police checked other trashcans in the area and scoured the perimeter in search of other suspiciously placed items. None were found.

*Story updated 3/30/16 @ 4:10 pm

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