Bomb Squad gives all-clear after mall in Queens evacuated as possible bomb investigated
A bomb squad has given the all-clear after investigating a suspicious Tesla that was hooked up to what was thought to be propane tanks at Queens Place Mall in New York, NBC4 in New York reported.
A senior law enforcement official said that the vehicle was investigated because a can was attached to it.
A Black Lives Matter sign was attached to the can, NBC4 reported.
Due to a police on going investigation, please avoid the area of Queens Place Mall.
Expect heavy delays & a large police presence in the area. Plan an alternate route if possible. pic.twitter.com/2f1wehkzKz— NYPD 110th Precinct (@NYPD110Pct) January 4, 2021
The vehicle appeared to have stolen license plates. Officers are looking for the driver.
Queens *Unusual Incident* Box 3130. 88-01 Queens Blvd. Bn-46 has a vehicle w/possible explosives. Queens Place mall evacuated. FD staging, NYPD investigating
— NYCFireWire (@NYCFireWire) January 4, 2021
A large presence of emergency personnel and law enforcement in the area tried to get people away from the scene.
People are still advised to avoid the area.
.@NYPDCT’s Bomb Squad is suited up to investigate a suspicious Tesla with propane tanks at the Queens Place Mall. pic.twitter.com/HZMttMN5pY
— Myles Miller (@MylesMill) January 4, 2021
Commuters were being urged to use other roads because of the closures in the surrounding area, several blocks around the vehicle were closed off.
Please avoid the area of Queens Place Mall due to a suspicious package. Expect delays if traveling in the surrounding area. Update to follow. pic.twitter.com/Os8X62Q6s8
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) January 4, 2021
A report about the suspicious vehicle came in at about 8:30 AM.
.@NYPDnews Police Activity: Expect road closures & emergency personnel near 56th Avenue & Queens Boulevard, Queens. Avoid the area.
— NYCEM - Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) January 4, 2021
An NYPD spokesperson confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.
