Oceanside neighborhood locked down over suspicious biohazard-marked containers

A neighborhood in Oceanside, California, was placed under lockdown on Sunday after a collection of bottles and cans marked with “biohazard” warnings and “top secret” labels was discovered. The suspicious items were found near Castellanos Drive and Vandegrift Boulevard in the North Valley area around 10:15 a.m.

The Oceanside Fire Department dispatched a hazardous materials team to the scene, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit was called in as a precaution. Emergency crews established a safety perimeter, and authorities ordered residents in the 700 block of Arthur Avenue and the 4900 block of El Mirlo Drive to shelter in place.

While the shelter-in-place order has been lifted, Vandegrift Boulevard remained closed between Castellanos Drive and East Parker Street during the investigation. Officials stated that there is no longer an explosive threat, but they have not yet confirmed if the containers hold other hazardous substances. No injuries have been reported, and the investigation is ongoing.