‘Unidentified package’ closes Riverwalk

29-Apr-13 – (Left) A Chicago fire fighter drains water from a fire hose early Monday afternoon following a police investigation of an “unidentified package” on the Riverwalk.

According to Chicago police officer Veejay Zala, the package, reported at 11:18 a.m., was not dangerous but traffic had to be diverted for about one hour “as a precautionary measure when it was investigated.”

Police boats blocked the Chicago River between Michigan Avenue and State Street. A stretch of the Riverwalk near the DuSable Bridge was closed. The lower levels of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive were closed to all traffic – and pedestrians were not allowed to cross the DuSable Bridge. Police gave the “all clear” at 1:10 p.m.

A police officer could be seen closely examining a bottle on a ledge on the west side of the bridge. The Chicago Tribune described the bottle as containing pink liquid with the words “liquid fire” written on the label.

A fire hose is drained after an incident to keep the hose dry and inspect it for damage. (Click on image to view larger version.)