A suspicious package investigation led to major delays for commuters Thursday morning after someone left a bag on a train station platform.
Metrolink train service through the Norwalk area was stopped due to the bomb squad investigation, which later determined the bag left on a bench at the Norwalk-Santa Fe Springs station contained clothes.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies, including personnel in an armored vehicle, responded to the station after a 7:30 a.m. report of an unattended bag. A specially trained K9 team deployed to investigate the report also found a second bag on a nearby bench.
A bomb squad robot was maneuvered up a ramp and onto the platform to provide investigators with a better look at the items. Authorities later said one bag contained clothes, but it was not immediately clear what was in the other, smaller bag.
The robot's high-powered water cannons were used to blow open the bags, authorities said. The sheriff's department was attempting to determine who owns the items.
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All trains on the OC and 91 lines were stopped for the investigation. Buses were used to transport passengers. The tracks are also used by freight trains and Amtrak.
"We understand things happen," said one delayed passenger.
Later Thursday, a reported bomb threat led to an evacuation at Mt. San Antonio College and lockdown at nearby Walnut High School. Aerial video showed a significant traffic backup around the college east of Los Angeles.
A third bomb squad response occurred in Mission Viejo, where students and staff at Trabuco Hills High School were ordered to shelter in place after a reported threat. A bomb squad searched a specific classroom but did not find a device.
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