BANGOR — Normal operations have resumed at the Navy’s nuclear submarine base at Bangor in Kitsap County, which was closed earlier today (Thursday) after a man drove onto the base and claimed to have an explosive device.
No explosives, narcotics or weapons were found, the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office reported at 7:35 p.m. today.
All gates at the base, which is home to the Navy’s Trident submarine fleet and strategic nuclear weapons facility, have been reopened to inbound and outbound traffic.
The driver of a black SUV entered the Bangor submarine base at the Trident vehicle inspection gate at about 9 a.m. and told guards that he had an improvised explosive device on his body and in his vehicle, said Capt. Alan Schrader, commanding officer of Naval Base Kitsap.
The 53-year-old driver was taken into custody. He now is being evaluated by a mental health professional, the Sheriff’s Office said.
A security perimeter was established within a 3,200-foot radius of the vehicle, and residents of homes near the base were advised to shelter in place or evacuate the area, KOMO News said.
Schrader said the FBI, State Patrol, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Explosive Ordnance Unit and Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office were involved in the investigation and in providing security.
“Our ability to respond quickly and professionally to this incident was due in great part to the ongoing relationships and training we manage with our community partners,” Schrader said.
Investigation continues, the Sheriff’s Office said.
