Suspicious Package Shuts Down Santa Monica Boulevard

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Santa Monica Boulevard was shut down in Beverly Hills while police investigated a suspicious package Saturday afternoon near the site of an protest march against police brutality.

According to the Beverly Hills Police Department, Santa Monica Boulevard between Rodeo and Crescent drives was closed as Saturday while police investigated the package, and commuters were advised to avoid the area. By 5 p.m., the package had been rendered safe by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department bomb squad, and the road had been reopened.

The police department received a report of a suspicious package in the area forcing a protest at Beverly Gardens Park to be relocated, said Beverly Hills Police Department Lt. R. Evans.

The protest involving more than 100 people was declared an unlawful assembly and orders to disperse were issued, added Evans.

While the crowd largely dispersed, several peaceful protesters continued to gather near the lily pond, according to police.

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City News Service contributed to this report.