POSTED: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 11:05am
UPDATED: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 3:22pm
BATON ROUGE, LA (NBC33) — UPDATE: The Baton Rouge Police Department has cleared the scene and reports that no explosives were discovered. All roadways are now open and those who were evacuated are allowed back in the area. The vehicle is now being processed for evidence that could determine who stole the truck in the first place.
If you know anything about this incident call Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-STOP (7867). You can also text your tip to CRIMES (274637). Include CS225 at the beginning of your message.
UPDATE: As of 1:30 p.m. the Baton Rouge Police Department reports that there has been no change with this investigation. Investigators are still processing the vehicle to make sure there are no active explosives, and to locate the source of the “foul smell.” Businesses and residents are still advised to stay away from the area. However, we’re told that local schools in the area are still open and BRPD does not anticipate any interference with school dismissal.
ORIGINAL: The Baton Rouge Police Department is currently investigating a suspicious vehicle that was located this morning near Sherwood Forest Blvd. Some businesses and residents have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
We’re told officers were called to investigate the vehicle at roughly 9:00 a.m. When they arrived they noted a foul smell coming from the vehicle that’s consistent with chemicals used to make bombs.
“It’s not a bomb threat. It’s not a bomb scare. It’s just a precautionary measure,” Cpl. L’Jean McKneely, Baton Rouge Police Department, explained.
The vehicle, which is a work truck, was reported stolen two days ago. Today, a business owner located on Market Place Ave. noticed the vehicle parked behind his establishment and reported it to police.
“Our guys went to recover the vehicle and that’s when they observed the smell,” Cpl. McKneely, said. “The bomb squad was called out as a precautionary measure. As to why the vehicle was stolen and why it was located there is part of the investigation.”
Some businesses and residents in the immediate area have been evacuated. They could not say how long it will take before the scene is cleared.