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Bomb Scare at the Border

Highgate, Vermont - September 20, 2006

Vt. State Police raced to the U.S.-Canadian Border at Highgate after customs officials say they found something suspicious in a car that could be a bomb.

"It was a routine inspection that any individual crossing the border would be put through," explained Jim McMillan of the U.S. Customs Service.

Traffic was blocked 1/2 mile from each side of the border as the Bomb Squad and canine units combed through the car. They found an electronic device that looked like a transmitter. Also in the car-- broken pieces of pottery glued together. With concerns about terrorism-- border authorities were not taking any chances.

"It led us to believe we have something that might be a threat and in the interest of public safety and security we made the decision to close the facility," said McMillan.

Investigators say the driver was a 77-year-old man originally from Laos who is now a U.S. citizen living in Virginia. He was in Canada visiting family and was crossing back into the U.S. Officials say language barriers made it difficult to communicate.

After thoroughly examining the car - it turned out the items were harmless and not illegal.

"It's a gaming device that has, from what I understand, some magnetic properties as well. From what we understand, it can be used to manipulate some type of gambling machines," explained Vt. State Police Sgt. John Flannigan.

Officials say if this had been a real threat-- their actions could have saved lives.

"Procedures that are set forth with all the agencies involved were followed in the interest of public safety," said Flannigan.

And after being closed for three hours, the border was re-opened.

The driver was detained for several hours while his car was searched, but police are not releasing him name because they are not charging him with any crime.