Bomb scare cancels services at West Valley church

WEST VALLEY CITY — Officers are investigating a possible hate crime targeting the Jehovah's Witness church near 3600 South and 3200 West.

Worshippers Monday evening found a briefcase outside the church bearing a note that read "Careful, bomb inside," in Spanish. Services were canceled and police were called, said West Valley Police Lt. Lamonte Cox.

The bomb squad and its robot found only religious papers inside, but the items were taken into police custody for further inspection, Cox said. Investigators do not know whether the note and case were placed separately.

Nothing indicates the incident was targeted toward Jehovah's Witnesses, Cox said, but investigators will look into the case.