Grand Rapids Bomb Squad Clears Package After Evacuations

A suspicious package found near Pearl Street and Ottawa Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids Wednesday evening prompted police to close nearby streets and take safety precautions. Because its location and appearance raised concern that it could be an improvised explosive device, the bomb squad examined it with X-rays and used a robotic water-disruption shot to open it. Technicians found no explosives, and roads and sidewalks reopened after the scene was declared safe. Police will assign the case to a detective to investigate whether the package was placed with criminal intent.