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Suspicious package removed from CMPD headquarters not explosive

By Joe Bruno, wsoctv.com
By Joe Bruno, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police removed a suspicious package from the department's uptown headquarters that led to an evacuation Tuesday evening.

IMAGES FROM CHOPPER 9

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said the suspicious package was not explosive, but did include indicators of an explosive device.

CMPD tweeted out a photo of Leonidas, a bomb-sniffing dog, that alerted to the package after an employee spotted it.

Sources tell WTVD that the package came from Campbell University. The person who mailed it is not facing charges

Channel 9's Joe Bruno was walking inside the lobby with Charlotte's NAACP President when a police officer told them to leave. Channel 9 was then told that the bomb squad was being called to headquarters.

A robot removed the package, and at around 8:30 p.m. about a half-dozen police cars followed by a fire truck formed a motorcade heading down a street on the outskirts of downtown Charlotte.

Police said the package was rendered safe at a remote location.

“This was just a good employee doing a great job identifying a suspicious package and being able to prevent any further injury," Capt. Mike Campagna said.

Authorities also said there was no phone call or threat made to the department.

Police said more tests need to be done to determine what was inside the package. Campagna said the situation is a good reminder for CMPD employees to be alert.

After the package was removed, people were allowed to return to a parking lot across the street from police headquarters.

"Our officers and employees have to be vigilant to make sure everyone in our environment can stay safe," Campagna said.

No one was injured.

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