Bomb threat case remains active
University Police (UP) is continuing the investigation of a bomb threat made by an unidentified male to the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center.
A male called Moffitt at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, said there was a bomb in the center, then hung up. A Moffitt security officer reported the bomb threat to UP at 9:11 a.m.
The caller did not specify where the bomb was located or when it would detonate, said UP spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross.
UP Law Enforcement Captain Robert Stahle said a bag was found in the second floor lobby of Moffitt.
Stahle told the Oracle on Saturday that the bag was a zipped purse. However, Ross said the report stated a lunch box prompted authorities to call in the bomb squad.
The bomb squad X-rayed the lunch box and found no dangerous material. Ross said Moffitt employees told UP the box had been in place for more than a day.
Ross said Moffitt employees and authorities questioned others about the ownership of the lunch box Friday. The box remains unclaimed and is being held in Moffitt’s lost and found.
A MoBull alert was sent at 10:40 a.m. that stated, “USF Tampa: There is a bomb threat at the Moffitt Cancer Center. Avoid the area until further notice.”
Authorities searched the surrounding area both inside and outside the building and ended the search just before noon, Ross said.
A later MoBull alert stated, “USF Tampa: A thorough search was conducted at Moffitt Cancer Center and no bomb was located. The location is safe to resume normal activities.”
The Tampa Police Department and several units from Tampa Fire Rescue including the Hazardous Incident Team assisted in the search for the alleged bomb. There were no evacuations and no roads were closed.
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