Palmetto Expressway Reopens After Bomb Threat
MIAMI GARDENS (CBS4)- The Palmetto Expressway in Miami-Dade was shutdown in both directions from NW 17th to 37th Avenues for six hours Friday afternoon and into the evening as police investigated a possible bomb threat.
An unoccupied silver hearse parked under an overpass at 27th Avenue triggered the closure because it was believed to be carrying a suspicious package.
Xiomara Lorenzo says an officer approached her while she was working at a nearby gas station and said, "Get out you have to leave right now." She added, "they were hurrying me up to close down and leave the site so it was a little bit nervous."
Police used a bomb squad robot to inspect the car and pull out several bags. As of Friday evening, police did not identify what was inside those bags.
Police are looking for the man last seen leaving the vehicle. He is being identified as Lee E. Lewis, 28. Miami Gardens Police say Lewis is also wanted on a weapons violation.
He is considered armed and dangerous and is known to frequent the Hollywood area, according to police.
All lanes on the expressway have re-opened, but the entrance and exit at NW 27th Avenue will remain closed while the investigation continues.
Anyone who has any information about Lee E. Lewis is urged to call Detective O. Perdomo (305) 474-1553.
