Police Clear Scene In Hollywood After Suspicious Package Causes Scare

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Authorities converged on a busy stretch of Hollywood to investigate a suspicious device that was later cleared.

The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. Thursday in the 1700 block of Highland Avenue after police said they observed a vehicle being driven erratically.

Officers initiated a traffic stop and, according to police, the suspect exited the car with a device in his hand that appeared to be a propane-like tank, KCAL9's Dave Lopez reported.

The LAPD said the suspect then made a statement that caused authorities to be concerned.

"I'm not going to tell you exactly what he said, but suffice it to say what he said was a clear indication that we had to take extreme caution in approaching this vehicle," LAPD Cpt. Rolando Solano said.

Police contained the area, shut down Hollywood Boulevard, and called in a bomb squad.

Aerial footage above the scene later showed a robot approach the car, and subsequently detonate the trunk.

Police declared the scene cleared before 4:20 p.m. and said no explosive devices were located inside the vehicle.

Solano said the incident remains under investigation.

The situation happened half-a-block from the site of the Academy Awards show which is scheduled to take place Sunday.