‘Bomb’ backpack in downtown Spokane deemed safe

A backpack labeled “bomb” was found in downtown Spokane today, but police say it contained nothing dangerous. A citizen found the backpack in a parking lot near 119 S. Howard St. and called police just after 8 a.m. The surrounding area was closed while the bomb squad responded. They determined the backpack was filled with clothing, and area streets and sidewalks reopened within an hour and a half. Police remind citizens of the ongoing safety awareness campaign “See something. Say something.” “While this particular backpack was not a credible threat, the community response was absolutely appropriate,” spokeswoman officer Jennifer DeRuwe said in a news release. “Spokane Police wish to thank our concerned citizens for taking the time to keep our community safe.”