Bomb Squad Working in Court House Square Downtown
Traffic is affected and police ask you avoid the area
(SALEM, Ore) — UPDATE:
Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon State Police Bomb Squad have cleared the scene of the suspicious package found earlier today.
The package was a backpack hanging from a hook at the highest point in a fire exit stairwell.
During the investigation the 5th and 4th floors were evacuated and regular business was ceased at Court House Square.
The Oregon State Police Bomb Squad disrupted the backpack using a water cannon and found it did not contain any explosive materials.
A male associated to the backpack has been questioned and released without criminal charges.
According to deputies the male suffers from mental health issues and left the backpack to dry in the stairwell.
The Sheriff's Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police and the Salem Police Department for their assistance during this investigation.
ORIGINAL STORY: Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon State Police Bomb Squad are currently on scene and investigating a report of a suspicious package.
The package was found on the 5th floor of the Court House Square Building, located at 555 Court Street NE, in Salem.
Very few details are available regarding the investigation at this time.
Traffic in the Area is being affected by this incident and motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes around the Court House Square area.
We will bring you further details when they are available as soon as possible.
