An unattended backpack emitting smoke Friday near a northbound Golden State (5) Freeway off-ramp in Burbank prompted an investigation, which shut down a portion of the roadway.
Police and fire officials responded to the Burbank Boulevard overpass around 1:30 p.m. after receiving a call about the backpack, according to Burbank Police Department Lt. Derek Green. The suspicious nature of the item prompted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Arson and Explosives Detail to respond, as well.
With the assistance of the California Highway Patrol, the northbound 5 was shut down in the area as a precaution for public safety, according to Green.
Anyone with information regarding the suspicious item was urged to contact the Burbank Police Department at 818-238-3231.