Propane Tanks, Torches Found In Abandoned Van On Ben Franklin Parkway
PHILADELPHIA (CBS/AP) - Philadelphia police and federal agents said they found a van containing low-grade explosives as the city tries to stem the widespread unrest that followed the fatal police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr. Authorities said the van packed with potentially explosive material was found abandoned on the Ben Franklin Parkway, near North 19th Street, on Wednesday night.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was called to the scene overnight to investigate what they are calling a suspicious vehicle and device.
Police tell Eyewitness News they responded to a report of a van carrying hazardous and explosive materials. When they arrived, investigators found propane tanks and torches.
No one was at that van at the time it was found but ATF Spokesman Rob Cucinotta said several people associated with the van were being investigated. He declined to say if they were in custody.
Philadelphia police plan to release more information Thursday.
The finding follows two days of civil unrest following the shooting Monday of Walter Wallace Jr., a 27-year-old man with a history of mental health problems. Police said he was shot outside his home after ignoring orders to drop a knife.
The city has seen a rash of ATM thefts this year in which people used low-grade explosives to vandalize or steal the bank machines. Philadelphia police said that nine ATM machines had been exploded this week.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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