The Springfield Fire Department's bomb squad was called downtown this morning after a suspicious bag was found unattended outside U.S. Bank, 417 E. St Louis St.
Bomb squad sent to U.S. Bank downtown
Geoff Pickle
Posted online
U.S. Bank and Discovery Center of Springfield employees were evacuated this morning after a suspicious bag was found in front of the 417 E. St Louis St. bank, Springfield Fire Department spokeswoman Cara Erwin said.
Erwin said the bomb squad is currently on the scene evaluating the situation and determining what needs to be done. Springfield Business Journal photographer Wes Hamilton observed the bomb squad’s explosive ordinance disposal robot on the scene.
She declined to comment on what might be in the backpack.
Erwin also indicated the entire block, as well as Jefferson Avenue north of Olive Street, were shut down by law enforcement.
The bomb squad also was called in Saturday evening after a suspicious object was found under the Christmas tree on Park Central Square. Bomb technicians evaluated the object and determined it was a hazardous device. It was taken from the area using the EOD robot. The case remains under investigation, according to a news release.
On Nov. 21, the Springfield Fire Department’s bomb squad was called in to Springfield-Branson National Airport after a suspicious package was found during the TSA’s screening process. The package was found not be an explosive device, according to a separate release.
