The Bomb Squad, Fort Smith Police and Fire Departments were all called out to a gas station Thursday morning (May 22) after employees discovered a 'suspicious' package.
A briefcase was found sitting in the middle of one of the gas station stalls at the Jam Mart on Cavanaugh Road, just off of Highway 71, according to police.
Employees said they first noticed the briefcasearound 2:30 a.m., but decided to wait until their manager came in at 6:00 a.m. before calling authorities.
About 12 people, all employees and customers, were inside the store on lockdown for an hour and a half while the bomb squad investigated.
After investigating the package, authorities determined that the briefcase was empty, according to the Bomb Squad Commander.
The gas station has now re-opened.