Area around Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital reopens after reported bomb threat

An investigation into a reported bomb threat outside Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital on Tuesday evening has ended.

Police said shortly after 5 p.m., the department responded to the threat at the hospital located at 2650 Ridge Avenue. Officers found a suspicious package with wires sticking out from it outside of the building.

Officers established a secure perimeter around the facility. Surrounding areas were evacuated as a precaution and access to the area was restricted to protect patients, staff, visitors, and the public, police said.

Police say the Evanston Fire Department deployed a drone to provide an aerial assessment of the scene. The Cook County Bomb Squad also responded.

On Wednesday, police confirmed the bomb squad determined that the item was not an explosive device and did not pose a threat. The scene was cleared around 6:30 p.m.

Police later said investigators identified the owner of the bag, and no arrests have been made.  

The investigation remains ongoing.