EDMONDS, Wash. -- A comment overheard by a motorist on the Edmonds ferry about a bomb sparked an evacuation and search of all vehicles, according to the Edmonds police.

The bomb threat was received around 11 a.m. Saturday.

A motorist told an off-duty Edmonds officer that they had heard a conversation between two ferry riders who said something along the lines of having a bomb in the vehicle, according to the Edmonds police.

After the officer located one of those passengers, police evacuated the Washington State Ferry Spokane and all vehicles on the ferry were checked by a bomb detection dog and a bomb technician.

Edmonds police said they did not find a device. All passengers were able to return to their cars about 45 minutes after the initial call.

A 30-year-old Seattle man who made the bomb comment said it was a joke, said police. The man had outstanding warrants, so he was taken into custody. The Washington State Patrol will investigate and consider possible criminal charges for the bomb incident.

Ferry service returned to its regular schedule.