Special to The News

Beaumont police and firefighters, FBI and other agencies, including Port Arthur Fire Department responded to an early Thursday incident in which an explosive device was found at a Starbucks in Beaumont.

In an issued statement, Beaumont police asked the public to stay vigilant and to help by reporting suspicious packages.

Police said the suspicious package was found at the Starbucks at 3935 Dowlen Road at 4:45 a.m.

A preliminary investigation revealed the package was located outside of the establishment then moved inside the business by an employee. The employee attempted to open the package and noticed a note. The employee returned the package to the outside of the business and notified law enforcement.

The device, believed to be a legitimate explosive device, was rendered safe by the FBI and ATF bomb technicians, while Port Arthur Fire Department EOC K-9 helped render the establishment safe.

Responding officers set up a perimeter while members from the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and FBI special agent bomb technician program investigated the package. Other agencies responding included Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Port Arthur Fire Department and Texas Department of Emergency Management.

The investigation is ongoing and will be led by the FBI’s JTTF.

“We ask that you stay vigilant. Pay attention to suspicious activity and report it immediately. Do not open or touch suspicious packages,” police said.

“If you saw the package on the garbage can outside Starbucks or have information that may help with the investigation, please call the FBI Houston Field Office at 713-693-5000.

Police asked that people check any video or pictures they may have taken in the area as far back as Monday.

Remember, “If you see something, say something,” police said.