UPDATE:
Lakeland police have arrested Luis E. Cruz, 53, for a Violation of Probation warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Cruz admitted the suspicious package found at a Mobil gas station belonged to him and it contained his clothing. Cruz stated he wrote “BOMB” on the box and advised he did not know why he did it and that his imagination made him do it.
Cruz stated that, although he had seen recent events on television, he had no ill feelings towards law enforcement. Cruz also admitted he is a heavy drug user.
The State Attorney’s Office was briefed on the case and, based on the circumstances, determined that no charges should be filed at this time.
Cruz was transported to the county jail on the VOP warrant.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Lakeland police are investigating a suspicious package found at a Mobil gas station on U.S. 98 North near Interstate 4, authorities said.
A cardboard box was found about 11:30 a.m. Saturday at 3437 N. US 98 with the word "bomb" written on it.
The immediate area was evacuated, and the Tampa bomb squad was contacted. The bomb squad is en route to investigate.
U.S. 98 North near the Mobile Station remains open at this time.
