Juneau Police Department investigated a suspicious package left near the Alaska State Capitol Tuesday afternoon.
The department’s explosive ordinance disposal team determined the package was not a threat, and JPD are currently attempting to contact the person who left the package, police said in a news release.
“At about 12:56 p.m., the Juneau Police Department received a report of a suspicious and unattended package that was left under the skybridge of the Capitol. Following the report, the roadway between 4th Street and 5th Street in front of the Capitol was closed off to allow JPD officers with the Explosive Ordinance Disposal team to respond and evaluate the situation,” the release said. “The package was later determined to contain a book and was not a danger.”
The skybridge of the Capitol was closed off while the EOD team investigated.
“We have a group of three officers that go to some specialized training in dealing with explosives,” JPD Lt. Krag Campbell said in a phone interview. “They have a greater knowledge of how to deal with explosives and how to keep the public safe.”
The individual’s behavior was flagged as suspicious based on video footage from the Capitol, Campbell said, prompting further investigation. The Capitol has received a number of suspicious packages in the past including books or other literature, Campbell said.
“Because it was the Capitol and because of how it was left, it was odd,” Campbell said. “They were taking into consideration of why this package was left.”
JPD was able to identify the personof interest from the footage are seeking to contact them regarding the incident.
• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at (757) 621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.
