UPDATE (2:29 p.m. ET): The suspicious van filled with 1,000 pounds of gasoline in Dowtown Baltimore has reportedly begun leaking, according to a report from CBS-13 WJZ in Baltimore.
A scary incident occurred in Downtown Baltimore, Maryland on Monday, September 9 after a suspicious van was spotted, according to the Baltimore Sun. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was on the scene to assist the police.
“At 10:39 a.m., the Baltimore City Fire Department received a threat of a suspicious vehicle parked at a building along the 100 block of East Pratt Street. Upon arrival, Public Safety officials immediately issued an evacuation order and began investigating the suspicious vehicle,” Baltimore Mayor Jack Young said in a statement. “Local and federal law enforcement were notified and remain on the scene. All buildings in the surrounding area have been evacuated. As more information becomes available, we will provide additional updates.”
According to reports, a four-block radius was evacuated after a van was discovered with 1,000 gallons of gasoline.
“All vehicular & pedestrian traffic is being diverted around the 100 block of E Pratt St downtown due to @BaltimorePolice & @BaltimoreFire activity,” a message on Twitter warned. Police initially received the call at around 11 a.m.
The investigation is still ongoing and police are asking for the public’s help for any leads regarding the vehicle.
“As a precautionary measure, the police have cordoned off the area and the building is being evacuated. Please avoid the area for the time being,” the Downtown Partnership tweeted.
Public transportation has also been impacted.
“Due to a bomb threat in downtown Baltimore, service is being suspended at some stops. More information will be provided as soon as it’s available,” the Charm City Circulator announced.
That is all the information that is available at this time. This article will be updated with new and relevant information should it become available at any time. If there is anything that we missed, please feel free to send an email to editor@teamcoed.com and we will respond as soon as possible.