Suspicious Package Investigation Continues in Banks Crossing

Businesses in the Banks Crossing area are open again, but the investigation continues into a suspicious package that was left behind a fast food restaurant Wednesday.

Banks County Sheriff’s spokesperson Sgt. Carrissa McFaddin said Wednesday morning about 11a, authorities received a report of a package behind the Wendy’s on U.S. 441 and Faulkner Rd.

According to McFaddin, the package was found near the dumpster behind Wendy’s and witnesses who saw it became concerned it might contain an explosive device and called 911.

McFaddin said after deputies responded to the scene and saw the package, the determination was made to call for assistance from the GBI.

“We have requested the GBI EOD to respond,” she said Wednesday morning. “At this time we’re asking the public to stay clear of the area and we have evacuated area businesses.”

Meantime, McFaddin said deputies interviewed witnesses.

No word on what kind of package it was nor why witnesses thought it might contain some kind of explosive device.

McFaddin said details regarding the package and its contents are not being released because the investigation is ongoing.

But by mid-afternoon Wednesday, McFaddin said it was determined there was no threat.

“The package in question has been determined to not be an explosive,” McFaddin said. “The GBI did respond to the scene. They used their equipment to determine that the package did not contain any kind of explosive nor did the packaging.”

McFaddin said however, the Sheriff’s office continues to investigate to determine why the package was placed where it was.

She said more information will be released as it becomes available.