Bubble-wrap popping triggers Kirtland AFB lockdown

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A lockdown at Kirtland Air Force Base turned out to be triggered by the sound of bubble wrap popping that was mistaken for gunfire.

The military base went into lockdown Wednesday afternoon for about 45 minutes along with some neighboring public schools following reports of gunshots near a building on the west side of the base.

Base Director of Public Affairs Eric Elliott says the popper confessed to creating the commotion when bursting sandwich bag-sized air pockets. He says because of the high tension caused by the San Bernardino shooting that occurred Wednesday the noise caused someone to call 911.

The lockdown was lifted after security forces found no evidence of gunfire. Elliott says the lockdown was good practice of emergency procedures.

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