CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Several blocks in Uptown Charlotte were closed off after police said they were investigating a suspicious package in the area, Sunday morning.
“It’s a very busy day, to be in Center City, not only do you have Charlotte FC playing, you have the Charlotte Hornets playing," CMPD Major Brad Koch said.
Shortly after 11:05 a.m., 911 dispatch received a call about a suspicious package left unattended near the intersection of Trade Street and Tryon Street.
"Our bomb units train for days like this," Koch said. "We have no days off."
Officers later said a bomb squad unit successfully resolved the situation, rendering the package safe. According to CMPD, the device found was intentionally designed to look like an explosive.
“It certainly looked like an explosive device," Koch said.
“It’s terrifying, yeah, absolutely terrifying that’s one of my worst nightmares," Kaitlin Hester said.
In addition, CMPD K9 Patrol Units, CMPD K9 Airport Units, and Gaston County K9 Units all trained in explosive detection were called to assist with canvassing the Center City looking for additional suspicious devices. None were found.
Police say there are still a lot of questions on the motive.
“My 25 years being on the police department, this is the first incident I’ve had like this," Koch said.
Residents are being asked to say something if they see something, and not to pick up or touch any packages left alone. If you have any information, you are asked to call CMPD.
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.