Times Square Shut Down Over "Suspicious Vehicle"; UPDATE—No Explosives Found In Van, Just Clothes

The NYPD has shut down part of Times Square as it investigates a "suspicious vehicle." Apparently the vehicle, a 1992 white Dodge van with temporary plates and tarp over its windows, has been parked on Broadway between 41st and 42nd Streets for two days. We hear the bomb squad is on the way. Just in time for New Year's Eve festivities!

Update: City Room reports there was a fake placard for a NY/NJ police entity and that there's no decision to move the van yet. Plus, occupants of 7 Times Square were asked to move to the west side of building, but not allowed to leave.

Update 12:41 p.m.: We hear that some buildings may be preparing to evacuate (can anyone confirm?). MyFoxNY has live video of the scene—it's weird to see Times Square so quiet.

And let's recall Mayor Bloomberg's words about New Year's Eve security from earlier this week: "If you see anything, they'll be plenty of police officers to talk to. Walk up and say, 'Hey, I may be wrong, but that guy looks nefarious.'"

Update 12:50 p.m.: The police have finally opened up the van. We guess we'll have to wait to find out what was inside!

Update 12:58 p.m.: As readers have noted, a few buildings around Times Square, such as 4TS and 7TS were evacuated. But now we hear that occupants can head back, because police found no explosives or threat. Police are still examining the van; we image the owner will at least get a ticket.

Update 1:17 p.m.: Still no word on what was—if anything—inside the van. The Daily News reports, "Police shut down several streets after officers in a passing patrol car spotted the white 1992 Dodge van just past 11 a.m.," while the Post found a police officer telling pedestrians to stay away, "I wouldn’t stay here. We’re looking at a van we don’t like."

NYPD spokesman Paul Browne had said, "This is not as the result of finding anything. It’s just a precaution. All it is right now is a suspicious vehicle parked where it is not supposed to be... The fact that it is in a sensitive area that is close to where there will be large crowds gathering cause us concern. It may turn out to be nothing more than an illegally parked vehicle but because of the location we are taking this precaution."

Update 3 p.m.: City Room reported that the police only found clothing inside: "[Browne] said there was no indication the van was used as a diversionary tactic by a would-be harm-doer; nor do investigators believe it was there to test the police response to such an event. He said there was a temporary, or paper, registration for the vehicle inside of it. Using that, he said, the police are trying 'to identify the owner.'"

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on December 30, 2009 1:20 PM

Comments [rss]

jt10000

"'Hey, I may be wrong, but that guy looks nefarious.'"

What jackasseriststupidity. Half the people I see on my commute look "nefarious." I look nefarious.

What a waste.

jt10000

We just dodged a bullet with the clothes in the van. What if it had been nuke? We'd all be dead. That was close. I can't believe they let vans park on the street. Seems like a clear dereliction of duty by our government.

I am waiting for Bloomberg or maybe even Obama to hold a special press conference to re-assure the American public that we are safe.

tnuc

It was owned by that future rapper that was killed by police.

rosweed

I complained about an abandoned vehicle in front of my place for six months. Nothing. Then one day somebody showed up, hot wired it and drove it away. If it has out of state plates, the NYPD won't touch it. Paper plates - you're golden! No starch in the laundry please.

JacqueMehoff

turns out a peddler working in the area owns the van.

ha!

Barbj8

The back door window had a black throw with beaded trim, I'm thinking Gypsies. Or nuns.

donewithny

could be these scumbags feeling us out to see how much they can get away with,hope not.have a safe and prosperous new year everyone.

SP

don't let the proverbial door hit you on the proverbial ass on your proverbial way out.

1stephanie

Unsightly van and tarp over the windows? Sounds like the NYPD just broke into someone's home.

echo

Ha! That's what I thought. Someone had probably been crashing there. Lucky they weren't inside when the cops showed up!

whitecastlerock

Were any cyclists inconvenienced because of this suspicious activity? Will Gothamist post photos of police vehicles blocking bike lanes around the area?

dr zippy

I heard they found Lenny Dykstra inside.

Jenni917

Here's my T-Shirt Idea:

NEFARIOUS

–adjective: extremely wicked or villainous; iniquitous.

TRANSLATION

If you see a van full of ads for hookers that's been sitting around for a few days in the Square, call 911

jaycjay

"If you see a van full of ads for hookers"

Uh... the van wasn't really full of flyers advertising hookers.

But you're lucky that you've never seen that movie.

zincink

You can bet if I parked in that spot my car would of been towed in less than 24hours

marymary

All this hoopla because the ill-parked vehicle in question was a white van with unfortunate windows. Is that ever *not* suspicious-looking? Vehicular profiling: show me a white van and I'll show you a driver who's up to no good.

farleft

Agreed. Hasn't the NYPD ever watched "Back To The Future"?

amsci

'Hey, I may be wrong, but that guy looks nefarious.'"

The suspect was last seen wearing an overcoat and top hat while cackling maniacally and twisting his handlebar mustache.

Pete

Only terrorists use parking placards.

SohoTimmy

This raises a lot of scary issues regarding the NYPD. Why was the van not spotted by the NYPD earlier? Why did it take a citizen call to get them to look at the van? Why didn't the NYPD check the fake placard? Someone at the NYPD should clearly be fired.