Watch CBS News

Driver Released With Summons After Abandoned Truck Forces Times Square Evacuation

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A driver was released with a 10 summonses Sunday morning after an abandoned box truck forced the evacuation of Times Square.

Police had to clear out thousands of people from the area just before 8 p.m. on a busy Saturday night.

They evacuated the entire area, even bringing in barricades to keep people a safe distance away from a beat-up white box truck that was found abandoned on 46th Street near Broadway, right outside of two theaters and the Marriott Marquis hotel.

It wasn't running, but the keys were in the ignition. Inside the vehicle was a set of suspicious looking wires on the front seat and at least one gas can in the cab.

The American Eagle Outfitters store nearby and other businesses were locked down as a precaution.

Police swarmed the suspicious truck and the bomb squad determined there was no threat. The driver, identified as 28-year-old Ryan Frasier of Queens, was eventually located, handcuffed and taken into custody for questioning.

On Sunday morning, police released the driver with a ticket after questioning him.

The incident, coming in the wake of the Brussels terror attacks reminded many of 9/11 and the 2010 failed terrorist car bombing in Times Square that was thwarted by some quick thinking street vendors.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.