Friday, June 17, 2011

Suspect in Custody After Suspicious Package Found Near Pentagon

Authorities say they have a suspect in custody after finding a backpack which may contain an explosive chemical near the Pentagon in Arlington, Va.
A source with knowledge of the investigation told Fox News that authorities were alerted to a suspicious vehicle in the area early Friday morning. A backpack containing what they believe is five pounds of ammonium nitrate was found outside the vehicle, the source said, though authorities are still trying to determine what the material is. 
A notebook was also found at the scene and contained threatening words like "Al Qaeda" and "Taliban," Fox News has learned. 
The man arrested is a naturalized U.S. citizen who came to the country from Ethiopia, a source told MyFoxDC.com. 
David Scholosser of the U.S. Park Police said during a press conference Friday that a man, whom he did not identify, was found inside Arlington Cemetery overnight when the cemetery was closed. The man was taken into custody and "was not very cooperative to answers about what his activities were," Scholosser said.
Scholosser said authorities then searched for the man's vehicle, which was found in close proximity to the Pentagon. He did not confirm reports that suspicious items have been found, saying the investigation is still ongoing. 
"At this point we have someone who was suspicious by being in Arlington Cemetery overnight," he said. "I’m not sure if any devices have been found at this point." 
Scholosser said he did not know if any charges have been filed against the man, who is still in custody. 
Authorities have closed several major roads around the Pentagon Friday due to the investigation.
Routes 27 and 110 around the Pentagon, all ramps to and from Interstate 395 near the Pentagon and eastbound Interstate 66 to Route 110 were all closed. 

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