Police Respond to Reported Bomb at Woodburn Bank

The city of Woodburn was the scene of a tragic bomb squad deployment in December 2008 that claimed the lives of two officers.

Photo and video by Jerry Freeman Salem-News.com

(WOODBURN, OR) - Oregon State Police responded to a report of a bomb today at the Wells Fargo Bank on 99E and Hwy 211 in the city of Woodburn. A reported suspicious device was reported in the bank parking lot, adjacent to a Safeway strip mall.

An employee from Super Cuts, adjacent to the reported location, says she was evacuated by police along with employees of other nearby businesses.

An employee from Safeway told Salem-News.com that there was a bomb threat at Wells Fargo. A customer stated that there was a small explosion near an ATM but this is unconfirmed.

Woodburn Police were on the scene to establish the perimeter and lock the scene, while awaiting the arrival of the State Police Explosive Unit, or bomb squad.

The city of Woodburn was the scene of a tragic bomb squad deployment in December 2008, that led to the deaths of two officer and a third was severely injured.

A couple at the scene said they had attempted to visit the city's other bank branch and that was closed also.

Jerry Freeman is part of a new generation of dedicated news photographers who entered the Internet news industry as a second career. He shares in common with many people who fulfilled their life dream of becoming a visual journalist. Joining the Navy at an early age, and the Oregon Army Guard a few years later, Jerry has a wide range of life experiences. He describes himself as “a truck driver with a new found passion to bear witness to the world’s events.”

Teaming up with Salem-News.com he embarked on a new career as a video news photographer and reporter. Jerry's quick exhibition of natural talent and ability to shoot breaking news led to his becoming a published member of the Salem-News.com team.