Suspicious package in Alameda was bag with movie props

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- A suspicious package reported this morning in Alameda that prompted evacuations and traffic restrictions turned out to be movie props, according to a police sergeant.

A call came in at 11:09 a.m. about a suspicious package in the 700 block of Lincoln Avenue, a police dispatcher said.

Responding officers found what appeared to be sticks of dynamite with a timer device in a bag leaning against a tree, according to Alameda police Sgt. Ron Simmons.

Surrounding structures were evacuated and traffic was restricted while an explosives squad with the Alameda County Sheriff's Office was called in to investigate, Simmons said.

The package was ultimately deemed to be a realistic-looking movie prop, Simmons said. It was taken to the sheriff's office for storage.

Investigators do not know who placed the bag there, Simmons said.

Traffic restrictions and evacuations were lifted at about 1 p.m.