Bomb Squad Finds No Explosives at Hotel (PHOTOS)

A suspicious suitcase abandoned Monday morning in the lobby of the turned out to contain nothing more than clothing and electronics, authorities said.

A bomb squad from the Los Angeles Sheriff's department used a water cannon to blast the suitcase after hundreds were evacuated from the hotel and nearby businesses.

It was first reported as a "suspicious package."

At about 9:30 a.m., a man in his 40s dropped off the suitcase and told hotel workers that it was for someone else. The man then dashed off, prompting hotel workers to call police, Sgt. Richard Lewis said.

The way in which the suitcase was left behind raised alarm, and suspicions were heightened when Santa Monica Police Department K9s initially got a "hit" on the suitcase, Lewis said.

He added that the dogs likely got a hit off the electronics, as they're trained to do when sniffing for bombs.

The entire 1400 block of Ocean Avenue was cordoned off until about 2 p.m.

Shortly after noon, a Portofino Plaza worker, Brandon Santo, tweeted: "Thanks to a bomb threat I get a half day! Silver lining? :D On a related note, avoid Santa Monica cause everyones leaving -.-"

This story will be updated on Santa Monica Patch as more information becomes available.

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