ITHACA - Police and fire crews are now on the Commons following the discovery of a suspicious package in the downtown retail area.
Emergency radio transmissions said a box with the word "bomb" had been found in the bank alley area off the eastern end the Commons. Most of the emergency activity appeared to be around the Bank of America building.
People have been evacuated from offices and shops in parts of the eastern Commons while police and emergency crews continue the investigation now in progress.
City officials are asking pedestrians and commuters to avoid the area during the investigation. The suspicious package was first reported to police about 3:15 p.m.
