A robbery at a gas station shut down Rainier Avenue during the morning commute after a man demanded money from staff and claimed to have an explosive device.
Around 6:30 AM, the suspect approached staff at the gas station in the 2800 block of Rainier Avenue South, brandished an item which he claimed was an explosive device, and demanded money.
The suspect then fled the business and threw the item into an area connected to the station’s gas pumps.
Because of the potential risk of explosives at a gas station, police closed down several blocks of Rainier Avenue as they investigated the incident.
Arson Bomb Squad detectives assisted at the scene and determined the item the suspect had thrown was not dangerous.
Detectives continue to investigate the incident.