SPD on high alert after vehicle abandoned downtown

SEATTLE — The Seattle Police Department is on high alert after witnesses reported seeing people fleeing from a vehicle that was abandoned on a downtown street, the department said.

The SUV was found on 3rd Avenue between Seneca and Marion streets, police said. Officers quickly shut down the street, which was set to reopen at about noon.

A bomb-sniffing dog checked out the vehicle, and it was impounded.

Police haven't said why the vehicle raised such concerns, but there is an increased police presence downtown already due to May Day protests and rallies that are expected throughout the day.

KIRO