Part of historic downtown St. Marys, Georgia, was evacuated Thursday afternoon after police found a suspicious package inside a car, leading officers to close several blocks and order businesses to evacuate.
Police responded to a call about a suspicious package on St. Marys Street shortly before 2:30 p.m. and urged residents and visitors to avoid the area bounded by Ready Street, St. Marys Street, Conyers Street and Bartlett Street. The restricted area expanded to about 12 city blocks as officers continued their investigation, according to St. Marys Police Department
A man was detained at the scene, and police K-9s alerted officers to the package in his vehicle, according to WTLV. Bomb-sniffing dogs were also brought in to examine the vehicle, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called to the scene.
As the police perimeter expanded, officers went door to door at nearby homes to alert residents to the threat. People were given the option to evacuate or remain indoors while police secured the area.
The St. Marys Police Department urged residents and visitors to stay away from the historic downtown area until further notice, saying the restrictions were necessary to allow emergency crews to work safely. Officials said additional information would be released as it became available.
Authorities have not publicly identified the man who was detained. Police have also not confirmed the nature of the package or announced whether an explosive device was found.