The Bentonville Bomb Squad responded to a report of a suspicious item at the vacant Travelodge in Bentonville Wednesday morning. Employees and customers at the Braum's next door were evacuated just before 9 a.m.
The hotel is located just west of Interstate 540 at 2307 S.E. Walton Boulevard. Chief Jon Simpson said investigators found a gas can, a chlorine bucket, PVC pipe and wires after searching the hotel in response to reports of activity there.
The hotel has been closed since April 2012, according to sales tax numbers. The property is for sale and is listed as being under contract by First Federal Bank. City planners said there were no permits out for the building.