Suspicious package found at U contained...

Last update: November 13, 2009 - 11:06 PM

A suspicious package that led police to lock down the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management for hours on Friday afternoon turned out to be an old military ammo can containing stage makeup.

Minneapolis and U police responded to a call from the school at about 2:40 p.m. after someone found the ammo can in a men's restroom. The building was quickly evacuated, and the Minneapolis bomb squad was called to examine the package.

The ammo can, basically a small metal box, was X-rayed and carefully examined before it was opened, said university police Lt. Erik Swanson. Police cleared the building and left the scene at about 8 p.m.

"It's worth looking into, because it's an odd item [to find] in a bathroom," he said.

The can's owner has not been identified, and police do not believe any crimes have been committed. "I'm sure someone put it down and forgot about it," Swanson said. "There's nothing illegal about being in possession of an ammo can or makeup."

SARAH LEMAGIE