Bomb scare closes bridge

The Puget Island Bridge was closed for nearly six hours Saturday morning after a passing motorist observed a black backpack tied to the structure over the roadway.

The Washington State Patrol bomb squad was summoned to thae scene and used a ladder from the Cathlamet Fire Department to remove the bag for X-ray and search. The United States Coast Guard and Clatsop County Marine Patrol secured boat traffic on the Columbia River.

When the bomb squad determined the pack was safe to open, a cuttiang tool was used and miscellaneous items were removed, including car keys, cash and a cell phone. A man saying he was the owner of the bag contacted the Wahkiakum Sheriff’s Office and gave officers a fictitious name.

Frank G. Aguilar, 40, was arrested for Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer. He appeared Monday in Wahkiakum Superior Court and pled guilty. He was sentenced to 365 days in jail with 361 suspended. He was ordered to pay a $500 fine with conditions.