SAN ANTONIO – Two men were taken into custody Monday outside Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland after base officials said two people claimed to have an explosive device in their vehicle at the Luke East Gate.
The incident happened at about 11:30 a.m., according to a statement from base public affairs, though after an investigation by the explosive ordinance disposal team, it was determined the men did not have any explosives. The pair were taken into custody, though base officials have not said what charges they may face.
A previous statement from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the bomb threat, though it put the call out around 11:15 a.m..
Base officials said multiple gates were originally closed to outgoing and ingoing traffic, but that was reduced to Luke East Gate once they realized that was only location where something was happening. Traffic was also stopped on a portion of West Military Drive between Highway 90 and Five Palms
The response stopped the inbound and outbound traffic at JBSA-Lackland’s Luke East gate and closing a portion of West Military Drive. Both the gate and street were re-opened in the afternoon.
Witnesses said the men were near a vehicle in the exit lane of a gate at the military base when security forces personnel approached them with guns drawn.
Aaron Delgado told KSAT 12 News that it appeared the men were trying to enter the base through the exit.
“They were on that side trying to go in and they stopped them right down there,” he said.
One of the suspects had what appeared to be duct tape around his waist, he said. Delgado said he saw the man on the floor with his hands up as police moved in.
The other suspect was at the vehicle and “started making a commotion,” he said.
“Yeah, he was shouting and basically cursing at everybody, swearing,” Delgado said.
Another witness, John Martinez, told KSAT that military police evacuated the area and kept people inside the gate, but he was able to see the bomb squad investigate.
“Basically we just watched how the bomb squad came in to clear the vehicle and we were able to see both gentlemen being escorted from the vehicle to be restrained,” Martinez said.
Deputies searched the men and their vehicle but no bomb was found, according to BCSO.
The names and ages of the men have not been released. BCSO said one of them had an active drug warrant.
They are expected to face charges.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.