Suspicious backpack at Santee Sheriff’s station triggers fear of explosives and shutdown of nearby streets

By Miriam Raftery

March 27, 2026 (Santee) – A staffer spotted a camouflage backpack near the front entrance of the Santee Sheriff station today at 12:24 p.m. Surveillance video showed a man on bicycle dropping off the suspicious pack. Deputies secured the area and sought help from the Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson detectives.

Patrol deputies conducted a search of the surrounding area for the individual, while the Sheriff’s helicopter issued public address announcements with a description of the subject.

Bomb/Arson detectives assessed the backpack and identified items that appeared to be military-style equipment. As a precaution, nearby streets and sidewalks adjacent to the station were temporarily closed to ensure public safety.  Upon further examination, multiple rounds of high-powered ammunition were recovered from inside the backpack.

Detectives ultimately rendered the backpack safe and confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The person who placed the backpack in front of the Santee Sheriff’s Station, a white man,  has been identified.

"It has been determined no crime was committed and there is no threat to the community,” says Sergeant Steve Chambers.

He adds, “The Sheriff Office would like to remind individuals wanting to turn over property to contact staff so we can properly take custody of it. “