Investigation caused detours on Broad Street
NEWARK -- A suspicious package -- that turned out to be harmless -- caused detours in downtown Newark during the evening rush hour Tuesday, officials said.
The city police division's bomb squad responded to investigate the item, according to Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose. Though authorities first described the item as a microwave, police later said it was a toaster oven in a bag.
The item was found outside a building that houses city offices on Broad Street, between Branford Place and William Street, according to authorities.
Police closed off the area for about 45 minutes to investigate. People in a store in front of the scene were told to leave while others in the area were asked to stay indoors during the investigation.
"It should also be noted that the operations of the Prudential Arena, which is nearby, were not impacted by the investigation," police said in a statement.
Bus service was initially detoured in the downtown, but resumed normal operations around 5 p.m., according to NJ Transit. Roads in the area were later reopened.
Bus service in the downtown area on Broad St in Newark has resumed normal operations.
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