The Madison Police Department continues to investigate two incidents regarding calls for possible explosives in parking ramps and a hit-and-run incident downtown.
According to MPD releases, police responded to suspicious objects in a parking ramp at the intersection of Fairchild Street, West Main Street and West Doty Street Nov. 22 and in a parking ramp on 113 N. Henry St. Nov. 23.
According to the release, the object found at the Fairchild and Doty parking ramp Nov. 22 was an explosive device, which the Dane County Sheriff's Explosive Ordinance Team rendered safe. The object in the other ramp the following day resembled a pipe bomb, but further investigation of the object found it to be non-explosive.
Investigations are ongoing and no arrests have yet been made, Madison Sgt. John Rife added.
Rife said the police's response to a potential bomb or bomb threat depends on the circumstances, but there is general protocol the MPD always follows.
"The first thing we do is clear the area," Rife said. "Once we make sure the area is clear, we call in resources. We either bring in the Dane County Bomb Squad or one of our Canine Units if we need to search for any sort of explosive device."
Rife said the "only concern" for officers is keeping the area secure to prevent possible harm.
"Whether or not the object turns out to be an explosive device, our protocol is to ensure the safety of the citizens," he said.
Madison police also continue to actively investigate a hit-and-run incident that occurred last week. The Nov. 19 incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. in the vicinity of King Street and East Doty Street.
A green Toyota Avalon, according to the police release, ran down two pedestrians, one of which sustained cuts, the other went to the hospital with fractured ribs and a punctured lung.
The driver of the Avalon continued on King Street until it collided with a pick-up truck near East Wilson Street. The driver fled the scene on foot, but the Avalon was impounded, according to the release.
Madison police are encouraging anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014.
