Authorities reopen I-75, I-280 after suspicious item rendered safe

4/21/2014
BLADE STAFF
  • CTY-object-cops

    Authorities respond to an unidentified and suspicious looking object located on I-75 southbound near Alexis Road today.

    The Blade/Amy E. Voigt
    Buy This Image

  • Authorities respond to an unidentified and suspicious looking object located on I-75 southbound near Alexis Road today.
    Authorities respond to an unidentified and suspicious looking object located on I-75 southbound near Alexis Road today.

    Toledo authorities have re-opened I-75 and I-280 after "rendering safe" a suspicious item found along I-75 southbound near Alexis Road and the I-280 split.

    All highways were re-opened at about noon.

    A worker with the Ohio Department of Transportation called authorities at 9:12 a.m. to report finding the item. Toledo police Sgt. Joe Heffernan said the worker is trained at spotting such items. The sergeant said the item was not contained in a backpack.

    Earlier today, authorities described the item as a "crude device with a wick."

    The "unknown device" was found by ODOT crews who were on "litter control," said ODOT spokesman Theresa Pollick. The device was found in a median near mile marker 208.

    Police shut down the major roadways near the area and rerouted traffic.