TUCSON, Ariz. — Tucson police responded to a wash near Craycroft and River roads after a bone was reported, leading to the discovery of what investigators believe are prehistoric human remains.
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The call came in around 9 a.m., prompting a heavy response from dozens of Tucson Police officers, crime scene investigators and members of the Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office. The wash is located behind a northside apartment complex and near a popular bike and walking trail.
The large police presence quickly drew attention from people in the area, including Tucson resident Walter Ramsley. “I did see all of the police cars,” Ramsley said.
Some initially thought the heavy police response could signal something recent or criminal. However, after hours of investigation, officials determined that was not the case.
“We do not have any reason to believe right now that this is a criminal investigation,” Tucson Police spokesperson Beau Wilson said. “To this point it is an anthropological prehistoric investigation.”
Investigators say the remains are believed to be a prehistoric human bone. The discovery may have caused a brief scare for some in the area, but for others like Ramsley, it didn’t raise long-term concerns.
“Tucson is kind of a wild west place, so it takes a lot to kind of throw you off kilter out here,” Ramsley said.
Officials say there is no evidence of any crime and the area has since been cleared.
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