CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Transportation Center in uptown was evacuated Saturday evening as the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said officers worked to arrest an arson suspect, only to have to detonate a suspicious device found on another suspect's person.
In an alert, CMPD said officers discovered a suspicious device inside a backpack during the arrest of the initial suspect, prompting the evacuation and shutdown of surrounding city blocks. CMPD noted the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) suspended transit operations out of an abundance of caution.
The scene was eventually cleared by CMPD's Bomb Unit. Both light rail and bus operations resumed normal operations.
CMPD later clarified that the suspicious device wasn't found in the arson suspect's backpack as previously reported by police. Rather, the device was found in a different person's backpack at the transportation center, who officers said was wanted as an armed person in an earlier call in the same area.
The bomb squad confirmed they handled two separate controlled detonations, rendering the device safe.
CMPD shared more details on Sept. 5, identifying the suspect as 19-year-old Jayden Henderson. He is now charged with assault on a government official or employee, resist/delay/obstruct, and carrying a concealed weaon.
CATS said riders should expect minor delays for the rest of the evening.
The scene unfolded just as the Duke's Mayo Classic football game at Bank of America Stadium got underway Saturday evening. As of publication, it's not clear if those service delays will be cleared by the time the game ends.
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