BALTIMORE COUNTY — We're learning new details about events that led to the evacuation of an elementary and middle school Tuesday in Baltimore County.
It happened at the campus of Pine Grove Middle School following reports of a bomb near campus. WMAR-2 News talked to one mom who saw officers so close to her son's school reminded her of deadly scenarios like in Uvalde, Texas.
All she wanted was to see her son safe.
Police later arrested Joseph, 43, and Kristen Vickery after finding a homemade bomb inside their truck.
Roads were taped off for blocks and blocks around Pine Grove Middle School, causing an evacuation after reports of a suspicious package near campus.
Another mom says the scene alone sent her into a panic.
"Once I got outside and saw how far back they were blocking the street, that started to scare me. When I got to the top of the hill and noticed just how many cops and S.W.A.T. and trucks and police officers were out there, that scared me even more," she said.
At the center of the scene was Joseph Vickery, who allegedly attempted to create a homemade explosive device.
That news quickly made it to parents at Pine Grove Middle.
"Once I heard 'bomb' my stomach just went into knots," said the mother of a fourth grader.
"The cops kind of gather around his car and pin him up against the car and we're getting yelled at to go further down, further down," said Nic Pomerleau.
He worked construction near the school over the summer, and he saw an unfamiliar electrician dressed in all black, believed to be Joseph, around 11:30 a.m.
Police were told there was an explosive device inside of his black 2001 F-150.
"One of the forman from the other trades tell us it's an actual bomb and they found this guy from parts he was buying from Home Depot to assemble this bomb and had it already assembled and ready to go," Pomerleau said.
Across Baltimore County the same day, a second scene surrounded Rodeway Inn where the Vickerys, had been staying near Security Boulevard.
RELATED: 2 arrested after explosive device found in van across from Pine Grove Middle
Investigators found receipts showing purchases Joseph made from Walmart and Home Depot, which they identified as 'precursors for manufacturing explosive devices.'
After investigation, the FBI hazardous team deemed the device found in the vehicle 'safe.'
Vickery told police he didn't intend to harm anyone with the device, and intended to detonate it in a remote area.
Parents are now taking a sigh of relief no one was hurt.
"I will say the school handled it perfectly. They told the children it was just a drill. The children weren't scared or anything and that brought us some peace," said one parent.
The Vickerys had their initial appearance in court Thursday afternoon, both were denied bail. Joseph is next due in court October 14, while Kristen is scheduled for November.
They face several charges that include manufacturing and possession of an explosive device, illegal handgun violations and possession of narcotics.
