Security alert places sub base on lockdown

GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Business is back to normal now at the submarine base in Groton, but Wednesday morning was a whole different story.

There was no getting into the Groton Subase for about an hour and a half Wednesday morning. When News 8 arrived the gates were locked and drivers were forced to wait or leave while the base responded to a security alert.

"When you see that the gate is secured it's obvious that there's no entry or exit," said Robert McIntyre. "So I just did the best I could to find a close parking spot."

News 8 has learned just after 9 a.m. a car drove onto the base through the outbound traffic lanes triggering the alert and lockdown, and sending security into action.

McIntyre was at the base for a 9:40 a.m. doctor's appointment.

"Well I've been waiting for about 50 minutes now," McIntyre said.

For those who did wait outside the gate their patience paid off. Shortly after 10:30 the gates reopened.

That after News 8 discovered an investigation was conducted and there was a complete sweep of the base. A relief for McIntyre and many others who have business at the base.

"Maybe I"m not the only one that missed the appointment and maybe they can slide me in," McIntyre said. "That's my hope anyway."

As many as there were who needed to get on to the Subase, there may have been just as many needing to get off. The lockdown was aimed at keeping all of them safe.