TAMPA, Fla. – An investigation into a suspicious package that shut down a portion of the University of South Florida campus earlier today has concluded after bomb technicians determined the item posed no danger.
The incident began shortly after 11:00 a.m. when the University of South Florida Police Department (USFPD) discovered an unattended package on Fowler Field at USF Bull Run. Law enforcement noted that the field was empty and had no scheduled activities when the discovery was made.
The Tampa Police Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit was called to the Tampa campus to inspect the item. During the investigation, authorities closed USF Bull Run to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Tampa Police Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit has been requested and is on scene to inspect the package,” officials stated during the initial response.
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Following a sweep by the EOD unit, the Tampa Police Department officially determined the package was a non-threat. Police have since begun the process of reopening the area to the public, with normal campus operations expected to resume shortly.
No evacuations were ordered during the investigation, and no injuries were reported.
“USFPD would like to thank the Tampa Police Department for their prompt response and assistance, as well as appreciate the cooperation and patience of the campus community while officers worked to ensure the safety of the area,” the department said in a closing statement.
ORIGINAL REPORT: University of South Florida police have cordoned off a section of the Tampa campus this afternoon following the discovery of a suspicious package on Fowler Field.
The item was located shortly after 11:00 a.m. at the USF Bull Run area. According to the University of South Florida Police Department (USFPD), the field was vacant at the time of the discovery, with no scheduled events or activities taking place.
In response to the find, the Tampa Police Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit was called to the scene. Specialized technicians are currently inspecting the package to determine its contents.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Tampa Police Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit has been requested and is on scene to inspect the package,” the USFPD confirmed in a statement.
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The investigation has forced the temporary closure of USF Bull Run to all pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Despite the heavy police presence and the arrival of the bomb squad, university officials have not issued any evacuation orders for nearby campus buildings.
Officers remain on-site to monitor the area while the EOD unit completes its inspection. USFPD has stated that additional details will be provided as the investigation progresses.
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