UPDATE: A suspicious suitcase discovered unattended by security personnel at the Tempe Transportation Center Tuesday morning was found not to contain an explosive device, according to police.
The light rail and bus station adjacent to the center were closed for about two and half hours as police investigated.
A bomb squad unit detonated the suitcase, examined the contents and found no explosive materials inside, police reported.
The station has since reopened for both bus and light rail services.
1:09 p.m.: A bomb squad detonated a suitcase-like package found at the Tempe Transportation Center Tuesday morning near Veterans Way and College Avenue, police reported.
The light rail station at the transportation center was shut down soon after the package was discovered at about 9:30 a.m. Trains were initially allowed to run through the station, but not allowed to stop, said Hilary Foose, spokeswoman for Metro light rail.
At around 10:30 a.m., trains were not allowed to pass through the station, she said.
Passengers who needed to go through the Veterans Way and College Avenue station were transported by bus, Foose said.
Passengers had to get off the light rail at Mill Avenue and Third Street and take a bus to the station at University Drive and Rural Road to continue on the light rail, she said.
The "bus bridge" was halted at noon when the trains could pass through the station again, Foose said.
It is unknown if this package is connected to the package found at the city of Phoenix Public Transit Department last night that shut down the Central Station and the surrounding area.
Details of the contents of the package were not immediately available.
Check back for updates.
Reach the reporter at connor.radnovich@asu.edu
