Yesterday in downtown San Diego turned tense when police shut down several city blocks around Broadway and Front Street after a suspicious package was reported in the area. Bomb-arson teams and other investigators moved in, clearing out nearby businesses and sidewalks while they checked out the item.
According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, officers got the initial call at about 5:15 PM. They quickly blocked off Broadway between Front and State, Union between C and E, and Front from C to Broadway while they assessed what they were dealing with.
What Metro Arson Strike Team Does
The Metro Arson Strike Team, or MAST, combines San Diego Fire-Rescue investigators, police detectives and federal partners into one specialized unit that digs into suspicious fires, explosive devices and hoax devices. The team leans on high-tech tools and robots to inspect anything that might be dangerous, 10News reported. Their training is focused on analyzing devices and making scenes safe without putting officers or the public in unnecessary danger.
Why Officials Took Precautions
The 200 block of West Broadway sits in the middle of a dense pocket of high-rises and federal buildings, including the Edward J. Schwartz U.S. Courthouse at 221 West Broadway. Public records list the courthouse at that downtown address, underscoring why investigators locked down the area and urged people to steer clear while they worked, according to FindLaw.
Local reporting noted that the street closures stretched into the evening while investigators continued their sweep and review of the area. Police asked drivers and pedestrians to stick to alternate routes until the scene was cleared and officials were ready to release more details.
