We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

UPDATE: Police investigate suspicious package at Kansas Capitol

Traffic map Topeka -KDOT image 9:45 a.m. on Friday
Traffic map Topeka -KDOT image 9:45 a.m. on Friday

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have removed a suspicious package with a hazardous material sticker from the grounds of the Kansas Statehouse after determining it wasn’t dangerous.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the Kansas Statehouse remained open but several surrounding streets were closed Friday while authorities investigated the 18-inch tall brown canister. It was placed by a statue of a pioneer woman on the southwest corner of the Statehouse grounds.

The investigation began after a person reported the package to law enforcement around 6:20 a.m. Friday. Kansas Highway Patrol Capitol Police spokesman Patrick Saleh said the person told authorities a friend was responsible.

The person didn’t believe the canister contained explosives and was worried it would cause alarm. A bomb squad robot was used to view the package before it was deemed safe.

——————-

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Some streets around the Kansas Statehouse are closed after a suspicious package was found on the lawn on the southwest side of the building.

Capt. Andy Dean says the Capitol remains open Friday amid the investigation. Dean is the supervisor of the Capitol Police division within the Kansas Highway Patrol.

He says the investigation began after a man walked came into the police department around 6:30 a.m. Friday and reported that another person had left the package on the Capitol grounds. Dean says the package appears to be a barrel with a hazardous material decal.

The Topeka Police Department’s bomb squad has responded and is determining how to proceed.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File