Part of downtown Columbia was closed after call about suspicious package, SC police say
Part of a road in downtown Columbia was closed for more than an hour Thursday following a report about a suspicious package in the area, police said.
Members of the Columbia Police Department and Columbia Fire Department were part of a large emergency response in the 1300 block of Calhoun Street, according to police. That’s near the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in the area between Bull Street and Main Street.
At about 11:30 a.m., emergency dispatchers received a 911 call from a citizen about a suspicious package inside a vehicle on Calhoun Street, and officers were investigating whether the package existed or notpolice said.
At about 1:45 p.m., police said the area deemed “all clear,” after a suspicious package was not located. The area would soon reopen, according to police.
The street was temporarily blocked off out of “an abundance of caution,” police said.
No injuries were reported.
During the search, which included a response from members of the department’s bomb squad, police said “until further notice, avoid the area.”
No access was permitted to either drivers or pedestrians in the immediate area or on side streets, according to police. There was no word if the area was evacuated, but police said officers made sure nearby offices and business were safe.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published February 20, 2025 at 1:20 PM with the headline "Part of downtown Columbia was closed after call about suspicious package, SC police say."
