The Las Cruces Police Department reports a suspicious device found Friday morning on the grounds of First Presbyterian Church in Las Cruces has been "rendered safe" while a team of local, state and federal investigators looks into its origin. The department has not provided additional information about the device.
The Dona Ana County Bomb Squad rendered the device safe at around 11:30 a.m. A portion of Boutz Road between El Paseo Road and south Main Street remains closed while the investigation continues and K-9 teams conduct a protective sweep of the area.
The shelter in place for Las Cruces High School and a couple of area daycare center was lifted sometime after 12 p.m.
Shortly before 9:30 a.m., a groundskeeper at the church, at 200 E. Boutz Rd., located a suspicious device and promptly called 911. Las Cruces Police arrived and closed Boutz Road and evacuated persons within close proximity to the church.
No injuries were reported.
A portion of Boutz Road near the church will remain closed for now so police are asking the public to avoid the area at this time.