MCSO: Suspicious package detonated in Phoenix

PHOENIX - Authorities say a suspicious package was detonated after it was found outside a downtown Phoenix courthouse Wednesday.

A suspicious package was found unattended leaning against the wall of the downtown Justice Center at 5th Avenue and Madison Street around 10:20 a.m., according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

MCSO spokesman Aaron Douglas said a backpack was found outside of the courthouse and the bomb squad was called to detect if it was a threat.

Douglas said people were on lockdown inside of the building and others were being evacuated.

The heightened activity in the downtown area prompted an individual to phone police when they noticed the unattended package, he said.

The package was reportedly detonated and there is no word yet on what was inside it.