A Los Angeles police station was evacuated Tuesday afternoon when a person tried to turn in an explosive device, the LAPD told NBC4 Investigates.
Incident Overview
The individual approached the front desk of the LAPD North Hollywood station with a live mortar round. LAPD Capt. Warner Castillo confirmed the detail, saying, “The person approached the LAPD North Hollywood station’s front desk with a live mortar round.”
Police Response
When the bomb squad received the alert, officers began clearing the area. The station was ordered to evacuate, and staff and visitors were asked to stay away from the vicinity. Bomb technicians arrived promptly to assess the device and determine the safest method of disposal.
Public Safety Advisory
The LAPD emphasized that anyone who finds a device that could be explosive should not move it. “If people find any devices that could be explosive, they should call 911 without moving them,” the LAPD said.
Recent Similar Event
This is not the first time the department has had to evacuate a station for a potential explosive threat. A few months ago, the LAPD Foothill Station was evacuated after a box containing military devices was left outside the station.
Key Takeaways
- A live mortar round was presented at the North Hollywood station, prompting an evacuation.
- Bomb squad responded quickly and advised the public not to move suspicious devices.
- The incident echoes a previous evacuation of the Foothill station involving military equipment.
The rapid response by LAPD officers and the bomb squad prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating, underscoring the importance of following official guidance when encountering suspicious objects.
