Los Angeles police launched an investigation Saturday after a federal agency alerted officers to a report that a car in downtown L.A. might have contained explosives near West 5th Street and Figueroa Street. The LAPD said the situation "appears to have nothing to do with the marathon" and that the probe remains active. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether any explosives were actually found at the scene.
According to NBC Los Angeles, a caller contacted an undisclosed federal agency to report concerns about the vehicle. That agency then notified the LAPD, prompting officers to respond and begin investigating. Police also told NBC Los Angeles they will continue to coordinate with federal partners to protect runners and spectators, and the department has not yet confirmed whether any evidence of explosives was recovered.
Where It Happened And Race-Day Context
The report surfaced as the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon weekend was underway, with the full marathon scheduled for Sunday, March 8. The course runs through Downtown, bringing tens of thousands of runners and spectators into the area. Spectrum News and race organizers note that road closures and heavy runner traffic were expected in Downtown early Sunday. Large events like this typically involve tight coordination among local and federal agencies, and race-day closures can complicate both response and communication when an incident is reported nearby.
How Investigators Respond
When suspicious devices are reported in Los Angeles, LAPD bomb technicians and, when needed, federal teams usually secure the area and examine any items using robots or other remote tools. The department has previously evacuated precincts and worked with federal partners after ordnance was turned in or discovered, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Those prior responses highlight that not every call ends with the discovery of a hazardous device, but officials treat each report as credible until the scene is fully cleared.
The investigation into Saturday's report remains ongoing, and the LAPD says it will release updates through official channels as more information becomes available. Anyone with information is urged to contact the department. Residents are advised to steer clear of the immediate area while responders work and to follow instructions from officers on scene.
