A suspicious device found outside a convenience store in Baldwin on Monday turned out to be an oxygen sensor, according to police. Baldwin Police Chief Chris Jones said the device, found in a trash can outside the Circle K at 3951 GA 365, appeared to be a type worn by industrial technicians.
“It was definitely still working—the red light was flashing and it was still beeping, and that’s how a customer heard it,” Jones said.
Law enforcement closed the highway near the store in both directions out of an abundance of caution. The Baldwin Police Department requested assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which deployed a robotic device to examine the item.
“They X-rayed it and determined it was nothing explosive. That’s when they decided to go in and retrieve it,” Chief Jones said. The sensor was safely removed after the GBI determined it was not a threat.
“I don’t think it was malicious,” Jones added. “It was a pretty expensive one [sensor]. I don’t know why you would have thrown it away.”
Although the item was ultimately harmless, it prompted a large emergency response. Jones said he’s always encouraged by how many agencies step up during these kinds of calls.
“It amazes me every time we have these calls how many people come to help,” he said.
In addition to the Baldwin Police Department and GBI, the Baldwin Fire Department, Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, Habersham County Fire and Emergency Services, and Hall County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene.
Traffic was diverted for approximately three hours before the highway reopened around 1:25 p.m.
