Investigation into suspicious item at Santa Cruz Metro

UPDATE 10/12/16 12:25 PM: The Santa Cruz Police Department reported Wednesday afternoon that the suspicious device found at the Metro Center on Pacific Avenue was a custom-fabricated battery.

At around 8:30 this morning, Metro employees reported finding a cylindrical device with electrical tape and wires sticking out from the pipe. Santa Cruz Police officers determined it was a custom fabricated battery left behind by a maintenance worker. Police say because of the battery’s design, it had the appearance of an explosive device.

Police say there is no evidence to indicate the maintenance worker intended to create alarm.

UPDATE 10/12/16 11:10 a.m.: The Santa Cruz Police Department said an item initially reported to be suspicious near the Metro Center on Pacific Ave. Wednesday morning, is not a threat.

Officers and a bomb squad responded to the area, causing a temporary disruption to bus service.

PREVIOUS STORY: Officers are investigating a suspicious item at the Metro Center in downtown Santa Cruz Wednesday morning, according to Santa Cruz County Communications.

KION has a crew on the way and this story will be updated.