Suspicious Suitcase Shuts Down Bay Bridge

Both directions of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge were temporarily closed twice Sunday after authorities found a suspicious green suitcase on the bottom deck.

Officers blasted the suitcase -- spotted about 9 a.m. by an off-duty Coast Guard officer -- with a water cannon. Traffic was shut down for about 15 minutes.

Traffic was halted again 2 1/2 hours later when a bomb squad retrieving the suitcase X-rayed the bag and saw electronic components. A robotic device was used to throw the suitcase over the railing and into a ditch below. When a bomb squad officer opened it up, Christmas lights were found, officials said.