Possible blast reported at Columbus, Ohio, police HQ

USATODAY

The police headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, was evacuated Tuesday evening after a report of a possible explosion, but no evidence of a blast was immediately found, police say.

Columbus Fire Department Battalion Chief Patrick Ferguson says firefighters and police have not found any visual evidence of an explosion, but emergency responders are still on the scene.

No injuries have been reported. Ferguson says there are no signs of smoke.

About 120 people left the building.

A worker reported smelling gunpowder just before hearing a loud "bang" about 7:30 p.m., WSYX said, citing police.

The noise came from the second floor, where a deli is located, WBNS-TV reported, citing dispatchers who said there was no fire.

The station reported that a bomb squad robot was sent into the building and that bomb squad officers were searching a nearby parking garage.

The downtown building was placed on lockdown as police investigated. Streets around the headquarters were closed.