Suspicious package found near Selland Arena turns out to be backpack with clothes

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A suspicious package found near the Selland Arena in downtown Fresno was found to be harmless on Thursday night.

The package was found around 7 pm outside the Selland Arena on Ventura and M streets.

The parking lot behind the arena and a nearby intersection were shut down as officers investigated.

The Fresno Police Department's bomb squad was called in to check out a suspicious package outside the Selland Arena on Thursday night.

Based on the description given by arena personnel, Fresno Police Lt. Israel Reyes says the bomb squad was called in to help figure out what is inside the package.

Officials confirmed that it was a backpack with clothes inside.

Hours earlier, the arena was full of families who were enjoying the opening night of Disney on Ice.

The show was allowed to finish, but guests were left stranded after they weren't allowed to get their vehicles out of the taped-off parking lot.

Officers asked those in attendance to stay inside the arena or move to a nearby hotel after the show.

Just after 11 pm, police announced that the parking lot had reopened and guests were allowed to get their vehicles.

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