A canister labeled as containing military-grade explosives was reported at the Sheetz convenience store at 10 Sullivan Road in Westminster on Friday morning, triggering a multi-agency response, business evacuations, and a closure of Maryland Route 140 in both directions.
An employee reported the canister — left near a gasoline pump — to Westminster Police at approximately 11:19 a.m. Officers responded and, out of an abundance of caution, initiated evacuations of nearby businesses and residents while closing surrounding roadways.
Multiple agencies assisted with the response, including the Carroll County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division and Drone Unit, Maryland State Police troopers from the Westminster Barrack, the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, the Maryland Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, McDaniel College Campus Safety, and Carroll County Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
At approximately 2:13 p.m., bomb technicians determined the canister was not an explosive device. By 2:37 p.m., the scene was cleared, evacuated areas were reopened, and normal traffic flow resumed.
Westminster Police investigators are continuing to follow up on leads related to the incident. There is no ongoing danger to the community.
Source: Westminster Police Department media release
Photo: Sheetz at Route 140 and Sullivan Road, June 19, 2026