Monroe Bomb Squad investigates possible pipe bomb at West Monroe Outback Steakhouse

Authorities responded to a report of a possible bomb Friday afternoon that was discovered on the premises of the Outback Steakhouse restaurant on Constitution Drive in West Monroe.

The device was secured by the Monroe Police Bomb Squad around 3:20 p.m. The device will be turned over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for further analysis, according to West Monroe Police Department spokesperson C.J. Beck.

"The device was rendered safe for now until the point where they move it safely," Beck said. "The ATF will take it from there."

West Monroe Police received a tip around noon from managers of the restaurant after a contractor discovered the device while working outside of the building.

"He located what looked like a pipe bomb," Beck said. "It was consistent with a pipe bomb so we called out the fire department and Acadian [Ambulance], and set a perimeter up."

Outback and surrounding establishments, including Cracker Barrel and Chili's, were evacuated and closed until the conclusion of the investigation. Authorities also blocked off Constitution Drive to safeguard citizens.

Constitution Drive and businesses reopened shortly after the confiscation of the device.

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This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Monroe Bomb Squad investigated possible pipe bomb at Outback Restaurant