SPRINGFIELD — UPDATE @ 1:01 p.m.:
Streets in Downtown Springfield have reopened after being blocked due to ‘safety concerns’.
Fountain Avenue, Columbia Street, North Street, and Limestone Street have reopened, and normal traffic flow has resumed in the area near the Public Safety and Court Buildings, according to a city spokesperson.
UPDATE @ 12:40 p.m.:
City officials announced Monday that there is no “immediate or credible threat” after ‘safety concerns’ shut down public buildings and schools.
“Today, our community has faced a familiar situation that understandably caused concern. I want to be clear, there is no immediate or credible threat to the public at this time,” Springfield Mayor Rob Rue said in a statement.
Springfield Police Division and City officials are actively investigating a series of emailed bomb threats that were directed at schools and public facilities, according to Rue.
“These matters are being taken seriously and addressed with the highest level of caution and professionalism,” Rue said. “Springfield is a strong and resilient community, and public safety remains our top priority, and we will continue to share information as appropriate. By staying calm, informed, and united, we will navigate this situation together.”
News Center 7 has crews in Springfield, working to learn more. We’ll have the latest on News Center 7 starting at 5:00 p.m.
UPDATE @ 10:21 a.m.:
Springfield City Schools are closing today due to a “potential safety concern within the district,” a district spokesperson confirmed.
The district said it’s closing all district buildings for the remainder of the day “out of an abundance of caution.”
“Law enforcement and district officials are working closely together, and there is no indication of immediate danger at SCSD schools,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
INITIAL REPORT:
Residents and visitors are being asked to avoid the downtown area of Springfield due to ‘safety concerns’.
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On Monday, the City of Springfield issued a notice asking residents and visitors to avoid the downtown area near the Police Departments and courts due to safety concerns that are impacting traffic flow.
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The streets affected include Fountain Avenue, Columbia Street, North Street, and Limestone Street.
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes when possible.
News Center 7 has a crew on the scene, and they report seeing a Dayton Police Bomb Squad vehicle at the scene.
We will continue following this story and provide updates as we learn more.
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