Police investigation outside Chase Field in downtown Phoenix forces short evacuation
Apr 21, 2017, 4:28 PM | Updated: 8:58 pm
PHOENIX — Parts of Chase Field were evacuated Friday during a police investigation at the downtown Phoenix facility.
“[Friday] afternoon, a suspicious situation arose outside Chase Field and in order to ensure the safety and security of everyone in the area, proper protocol was put in place,” a joint statement from the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Police Department and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office read.
“The area was cleared for approximately an hour before all was deemed safe and the ballpark was reopened for entry.”
A source inside Chase Field said they were told a police dog had alerted to something, but that was not confirmed by law enforcement officials.
Most of the attention at the scene seemed to be directed toward the box office. Another source at the facility said the ticket office was evacuated and employees were taken to a different part of the ballpark.
A third source said the nearby Game Seven Grill was evacuated.
Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s Craig Grialou said things inside the stadium continued as normal during the operation. Players from both teams were taking batting practice.
At least one source was given the all-clear about 4:20 p.m.
Doug Padilla, a reporter who covers the Los Angeles Dodgers for ESPN, said media were not allowed to enter Chase Field for a short time during the investigation.
No admittance into Chase Field right now, even for media. It's being called a "situation" by security. pic.twitter.com/UUzIjQhnzG
— Doug Padilla (@DougPadilla) April 21, 2017
People being asked to move further away from Chase Field now. DJ at nearby bar asked to stop playing. Bar patio cleared. pic.twitter.com/k9t9CKfsjk
— Doug Padilla (@DougPadilla) April 21, 2017
Dog being asked to sniff people gathered outside of Chase Field.
— Doug Padilla (@DougPadilla) April 21, 2017
Still no official word on "situation" at Chase Field. pic.twitter.com/dojHiO0Web
— Doug Padilla (@DougPadilla) April 21, 2017
Some fans said they were not allowed to get closer to the ballpark than Fourth Street and Jefferson, about one block from the facility while police looked into the situation.
https://twitter.com/dbackschick1/status/855558993900470272
It appeared Padilla was let into the building at some point during the investigation.
Business as usual inside. Fans still being held back outside at Chase Field. pic.twitter.com/5BmenDOZ2O
— Doug Padilla (@DougPadilla) April 21, 2017
The D-backs were scheduled to play the Dodgers at 6:40 p.m. The game was expected to be played.
