Brother's 'bomb' prank shuts down San Diego freeway to Thanksgiving travelers

A prank played by a brother on his sister blocked San Diego’s Interstate 15 for much of Thanksgiving afternoon.

Police said the man called his sister from an unfamiliar number, disguised his voice and told her there was a bomb in her car.

The woman immediately pulled over by the center divide near the Miramar Way overpass and called 911.

Multiple agencies responded and California Highway Patrol immediately shut down the freeway in both directions about 2:45 p.m.

Holiday traffic was stuck at a standstill and drivers were unable to access the freeway from many points while authorities investigated.

Police dogs inspected the car, and investigators said they acted in a way that suggested a bomb could inside the vehicle.

However, investigators eventually determined there was no bomb.

The woman’s brother called back during the search to apologize for his prank, and authorities asked him to come to the scene for questioning.

Investigators said the man, whose name has not been released, was apologetic, but he was arrested about 5:45 p.m. on unspecified felony charges.

Police said the man and his sister are both San Diego residents.

Northbound lanes were shut down for two hours, while southbound lanes were closed for about an hour.

All lanes and connector ramps reopened by 6:10 p.m.

Watch this video report posted online by CBS-8:

San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com