SJPD investigates package found over the weekend

A suspicious item found by the St. Joseph Police Department near the 1300 block of South 11th Street on Saturday, February 22 is under investigation.

According to SJPD officials, at approximately 6:38 p.m. on February 22, officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of S. 11th Street in response to a report of a suspicious bag left beside a marked patrol vehicle. The item, a grey suitcase, was positioned on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

Officers established a perimeter and the Kansas City Police Department Bomb Squad was contacted.

Upon arrival, the KC Bomb Squad conducted an X-ray examination of the case, confirming that its contents were non-explosive.

At this time, the case has been opened for further inspection and investigation.

SJPD is reminding the public that the department "places a high priority on public safety and exercises the utmost caution when handling incidents of this nature."

News-Press NOW will update this story as more information becomes available.