‘Hoax device’ sent to Maryland Independent causes building evacuation

Device turned over to fire marshal for investigation

Occupants of the White Plains Corporate Center were evacuated Thursday after a suspicious package containing a “hoax device” was delivered to the Maryland Independent.

Deputy Fire Marshall Senior John Tennyson of the bomb squad said no explosives were found in the hoax device that was designed to resemble a real bomb.

“The device was made to look dangerous,” Tennyson said.

Tennyson said the bomb squad took evasive action to remotely open the device and determined there were no explosives inside. An investigation will be conducted to find the sender of the device. No suspects have been determined.

Employees were allowed to re-enter the building around 5:45 p.m.

The building, located at 4475 Regency Place in White Plains, houses sever- al businesses, including the Lung and Sleep Institute, All Phase Drywall, Inc., DaVita White Plains Dialysis Center, among others. About 50 people were evacuated from the building around 3 p.m.

Members of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, including the bomb squad, K9 unit, and the Waldorf Volunteer Fire

STAFF PHOTO BY ART CROFOOT A suspicious package was delivered to the Maryland Independent Thursday that caused the Regency Place office building in White Plains to be evacuated by police and fire rescue personnel.