Provo Police officers were called to investigate a suspicious device attached to a vehicle Friday night, an incident that led to a temporary shelter-in-place order for businesses operating near 500 N. University Avenue. The alert began just before 7 p.m. when the Provo Police Department received a report from the vehicle’s owner. The individual stated that the device had been attached to their car while it was parked in Orem, only to be discovered after the vehicle had been moved to Provo, specifically to an area behind a local restaurant. This sequence of events immediately raised concerns for public safety.
Upon the arrival of Provo Police at the scene in central Provo, officers initiated a careful assessment of the reported item. According to official statements from police, the initial evaluation led officers to confirm the device was "suspicious, and could potentially be an Improvised Explosive Device." This assessment highlighted the serious nature of the situation and the potential risk it posed to the community, necessitating immediate and cautious action from emergency personnel.
In response to the confirmed suspicious nature of the device and the potential danger it represented, authorities promptly issued a shelter-in-place order for all businesses situated in close proximity to the parked vehicle. This measure was a critical step in ensuring the safety of residents, patrons, and employees in the area, allowing the Provo Police Bomb Squad to respond and evaluate the item without exposing the public to undue risk. The coordinated effort aimed to contain any potential threat and allow specialized teams to operate effectively.
The Provo Police Bomb Squad, equipped with the necessary expertise and tools, subsequently arrived on location to meticulously examine the suspicious item. Through their specialized investigation, the Bomb Squad was able to determine the true nature of the device. It was identified as a battery pack to which two separate GPS tracking devices had been attached. This crucial determination confirmed that the item, while initially concerning, was non-hazardous and did not pose an explosive threat to the community.
Following the Bomb Squad's assessment that the device was non-hazardous, the shelter-in-place order for nearby businesses was lifted, and the affected area was officially reopened to the public. This resolution occurred at approximately 10 p.m., about three hours after the initial report was made to police. The Provo Police Department has since indicated that investigators are continuing to follow up on a person of interest in connection with this incident. However, the department has not publicly shared any further details regarding the individual or the ongoing investigation at this time. The swift and professional response by local law enforcement agencies ensured the safety of the community during a potentially alarming situation.