Defense

US base in Japan closes after ‘suspicious package’

by Bradford Richardson - 12/26/15 9:34 AM ET

A shelter-in-place order was issued at a U.S. air base in Japan on Saturday after an unauthorized person with a “suspicious package” walked onto the base, according to CNN.

The Yokota Air Base was temporarily shut down after security forces from the 374th Airlift Wing “apprehended a suspect who gained unauthorized entry” into the base, according to the base’s Facebook page.

{mosads}The warning was lifted after the unidentified person was taken into custody.

Authorities have not said who the suspect is or what might have been in the package.

“Security Forces personnel have since secured the scene and an investigation is ongoing,” the base said.

Entry points to the base were closed and people were ordered to stay where they were for about four hours until the incident was resolved.

“Ensuring the safety and security of Team Yokota is always our top priority,” Col. Douglas C. DeLaMater, commander of the 374th Airlift Wing, said in a press release. “Our security forces’ professionalism and immediate response to this potential threat was outstanding.”

Yokota Air Base is about 35 miles northwest of Tokyo and is home to U.S. Forces Japan, the Fifth Air Force and elements of the 374th Airlift Wing.

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