Sidewalk Suitcase Near Federal Building Forces West LA Traffic Tie-Up

An unattended suitcase left on the sidewalk in front of the building forced the closure of freeway exits and Wilshire Boulevard

An exit ramp from the 405 Freeway and part of busy Wilshire Boulevard in West Los Angeles were closed early Thursday afternoon due to a report of an unattended suitcase in front of the Federal Building.

A driver reported seeing someone leave the item on the sidewalk near the building, just east of the 405 Freeway. Aerial video showed the bag on a chair next to a light pole.

The southbound 405 Freeway exit ramp to eastbound Wilshire Boulevard and Wilshire Boulevard were closed for the investigation. Traffic on the freeway backed up to the San Fernando Valley at midday and streets in the area were jammed.

The ramp and streets were reopened early Thursday afternoon.

At about the same time, a bus caught on fire on the northbound 405 Freeway, blocking lanes near Santa Monica Boulevard.

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