'Suspicious package' found in downtown Louisville not a threat, officials say

A "suspicious package" found Friday morning in downtown Louisville was determined not to be an explosive device, Louisville Metro Police announced Saturday.

The device, described as a "pipe with wires protruding from it" by officials, was located on Fifth Street near Jefferson and Market streets. The LMPD Bomb Squad was called to the scene around 9 a.m. and advised the public to avoid the area. Several businesses in the vicinity were given a shelter-in-place order during the investigation.

More:Downtown Louisville streets, businesses should reopen soon as 'suspicious package' is moved

Technicians at the scene eventually determined the devices were safe to transport and removed them for testing. LMPD Chief Erika Shields told The Courier Journal on Friday the investigation would eventually be handed over to the FBI.

The joint investigation is active and ongoing, officials said Saturday.

In a Facebook post, the department asked for the public's assistance in the case, either through submitting anonymous tips over the phone at 502 574-LMPD (5673) or submitting information through the crime tip portal.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 'Suspicious package' found in downtown Louisville deemed non-threatening