Police investigate van in Palm Bay
FLORIDA TODAY StaffPALM BAY, Fla. - Police have been called to investigate a suspicious van at the Walgreens store on Malabar Road.
Traffic has been stopped from traveling both ways in front of the Walgreens, which is just west of I-95.
Several Palm Bay police officers and Florida Highway Patrol officers are on the scene and directing drivers to make u-turns. Police dogs trained to sniff for explosives and narcotics have been called in and will thoroughly inspect the van before the area is cleared.
Fire rescue trucks are arriving on the scene and police officials are asking witnesses to move back. Publix, Burger King, Arby's and Wendy's, which neighbor the Walgreens, are all being evacuated.
"I'm very upset because of the anniversary of what happened," said Gerri Clendening of Palm Bay, on her way to her bank. "I'm every edgy today. You know something probably is going to happen."
Police were alerted to the van which witnesses say has been idling in the parking lot for more than 12 hours.
Tuesday the government stepped up terrorism warnings and increased alert status from elevated to high. Although the threats were not specific, U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft warned that car bombings could bring the next round of terrorism.
Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge asked Americans to be alert. "If you see something suspicious, report it," he said.
Florida Today staff writers Valeria Pearcey and Jennifer Ellis contributed to this report.
I would say that is suspicious !