The Albuquerque police temporarily stopped the operations for Avis Budget Rental after an explosive device was found on one of the vehicles. The car rental is in the Albuquerque airport but did not affect the schedule of the flights. An investigation is currently on going regarding the incident.
A "credible explosive device" was found underneath a car from Avis Budget Rental at 8am in Sunday. Per Mail Online, the device was found by a mechanic when the car was put on a lift and recognized what was underneath.
According to CNN, the airport was not closed down, keeping the flights from getting delayed as the rental car shop was not directly attached to the airport. Albuquerque Police Department Simon Drobik stated that the device was deemed "credible" by the bomb squad. The car rental was temporarily stopped from their operation while the device was being inspected.
Meanwhile, travelers who were returning cars were diverted to another area. As reported by CBS News, the device was called "safe and credible explosive device", and appeared to resemble a pipe bomb.
However, the authorities did not provide further details about the device found in the scene. According to police officer Drobik, the device as initially inspected by the police bomb squad but has been handed over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The origin of the bomb as well as the previous owner of the car were not disclosed. Furthermore, agents from ATF and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are working on their separate investigation of the case.
The car rental was eventually declared secured by the authorities and went back to business by early afternoon. The parking terminal was declared secured as well. More details about the police investigation regarding the explosive device in Albuquerque will be reported as soon as more information is released.
