The Bandera Marshal's Office issued a public service announcement on September 12, 2023, regarding a suspicious package incident at the Best Western Hotel located on Main St. First responders quickly converged on the scene, leading to a temporary evacuation of the premises as a precautionary measure.
After a thorough investigation, authorities gave the all-clear signal for employees to re-enter the building on that same day. The package, initially believed to be a bomb, was discovered by housekeeping staff. In a statement, the Marshal's Office confirmed that the package was, in fact, fireworks.
The incident prompted a rapid response from multiple agencies, with the safety of citizens and children as the top priority. Nearby Bandera Middle School was swiftly secured to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The Bandera Marshal's Office expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the incident response. An ongoing investigation is being handled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) due to their extensive resources and manpower.
In a final update, Marshal Nancy De Foster stated, "On September 12, cleaning staff at the Best Western Hotel reported finding a 'suspicious package' in one of their rooms. After a complete investigation, the item was determined to be fireworks left by a guest, and no charges were filed."
