Witness statements and physical evidence examination positively linked the double-capped, 18-inch length of black plastic two-inch diameter pipe to a flooring contractor who had been working in the north Union Street neighborhood on Friday.
The unmarked pipe, configured by the contractor to carry and protect equipment, had fallen from the back of a van being driven south in the 1500 block of Union Street at about mid-day October 3. Unaware the pipe was missing, the driver left the area and a second motorist discovered it moments later while parking. The motorist placed the unattended pipe on the sidewalk in front of the Forum that adjoins the Behavioral and Social Sciences Building, assuming the owner might retrieve it.
Unwittingly, the motorist had placed the pipe in the immediate area where California Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi was scheduled to meet shortly with members of the campus community and the public.
When a civilian discovered the pipe and reported it to UPD, the motorist was already gone and responding officers had no information to follow. As a precaution, police cordoned off the area, evacuated people within the perimeter and summoned the Humboldt County Sheriff Department’s bomb unit to break the pipe open with a disintegrating projectile. The cordon was lifted when the pipe’s contents were found to be non-explosive.
UPD credited press coverage for prompting citizens to come forward with information regarding Friday’s incident. No criminal charges will be sought against anyone involved, according to UPD Chief Thomas Dewey.
Police continue their investigation of a September 23 pipe bomb hoax involving a double-capped, 12-inch piece of galvanized pipe found in the landscaping near the HSU Library parking lot. Police say that hoax is unrelated to Friday’s incident and investigators continue to seek information about who planted the first device.
Information may be submitted by dialing 826-5555 or by email at hsupd@humboldt.edu