Driver claiming to have explosive device prompts Dale Mabry closure: Tampa police

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Part of Dale Mabry Highway was shut down in Tampa on Thursday after a driver claimed to have an explosive device in their vehicle, the Tampa Police Department said.

Tampa police officers said they were called to the southbound lanes of Dale Mabry Highway and Columbus Drive just after 6:30 p.m. after receiving reports of an unconscious driver behind the wheel blocking traffic.

Officers said the driver, who was not identified, did not comply with commands when police made contact with them.

However, the driver told officers that there was an explosive device in their vehicle.

“In an abundance of caution, officers shut down southbound traffic on Dale Mabry Highway between Columbus Drive and Tampa Bay Boulevard,” Tampa police said.

The road remained blocked as of 8:20 p.m. Tampa officers said it should be reopened soon.

No officers were hurt, and the suspect was taken into custody.

It is not known if any explosive devices were found in the driver’s vehicle.

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