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Suspicious package found in downtown Louisville safely removed

Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Erika Shields said law enforcement is still working to assess what the contents of the package are.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A mysterious package was found near 5th St. and Jefferson St. Friday morning, according to Metro Safe.

As of around 1:30 p.m. Aug. 12, the shelter in place order has been lifted and the item has been removed from the area. 

Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Erika Shields said law enforcement is still working to assess what the contents of the package are. 

The contents are being tested off-site by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

So far they have not been able to determine what exactly the device is or the threat that it posed.

When asked if this incident was targeted, Shields said, "I'm not at liberty to discuss that at this time." 

Melba's Culinary Canvas Owner Charles Reed said he and his employees were told at around 7:45 a.m. that they should leave the area.

"It's just, it's crazy down here," he said. "The device and the little robots going down there and then all the cops going down there with guns, long guns, it's just crazy."

The original story:

Louisville Metro Police located a device which appeared to be a pipe with wires protruding from it.

Officials have closed off multiple downtown blocks while investigations occur.

Investigators are examining the object and searching the area for any other potential threats, according to a Louisville government press release.

The public is advised to avoid the area. Those in the affected area in Downtown Louisville are asked to continue to shelter in place.

"We will continue to assess the device and once we know there is no threat presented by the device we will have an all clear," said LMPD Police Chief Erika Shields.

This is a developing story, we will update you with more information.

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