On July 7, 2020, at about 3:14 PM, a security officer from Willamette Valley Medical Center, (WVMC) 2700 SE Stratus Ave, called Yamhill Communications Agency (YCOM) and reported a suspicious package in the parking lot of the Hospital. The package was described as about 4”x6”x4” that was wrapped in cardboard, duct tape, and appeared to have wires coming from it.
Officers arrived at approximately 3:24 PM and observed the package sitting in the grass near a garbage can, in the parking lot in front of the Hospital. The observations of the suspicious package reported to YCOM were confirmed by officers. Due to the suspicious nature of the package, WVMC staff limited ingress and egress at the main entrance to the Hospital and the immediate parking area around the package was secured by officers
The Oregon State Police Explosives Unit was contacted, and two Explosives Unit Troopers responded from Salem to investigate the suspicious package. Upon x-ray examination, the package was surmised to be a 12-volt battery and not an explosive device. This was confirmed by physical examination. The scene was deemed safe and opened up at about 4:50 PM
We appreciate the cooperation from patients and clients who waited approximately an hour and half before being allowed to access their parked vehicles. We would also like to thank the professional response by WVMC administrative staff and security assisting with limiting hospital access and information sharing with arriving patients while waiting for OSP Explosives Unit Troopers to arrive.
McMinnville Police were assisted by Oregon State Police Explosives Unit, WVMC staff and WVMC security contractor, G4S.