Police investigating ‘suspicious vehicle’ near Sioux Falls federal courthouse

The Sioux Falls Police Department is asking people to avoid the area near West 12th Street and South Phillips Avenue in downtown Sioux Falls.

Police at the scene told Argus Leader reporters that they were called to a suspicious vehicle left in front of the federal courthouse and were asked to take shelter within a 3 to 4 block radius of nearby businesses and residences.

A press release from the police department at 9:30 p.m. stated that an “investigation” was being conducted in the area, but officers at the scene had no additional information.

More information will be available on October 18, according to police.

Beginning at 11:30 p.m. Friday, South Phillips Boulevard was closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic between 11th and 14th Streets.

People leaving Friday night’s demonstrations at the Pavilion were met with police blocking off part of West 12th Street.

Sioux Falls resident Virginia Buchheim told the Argus Leader she was unable to reach her car in the nearby parking lot, which was within a police-designated perimeter. He said an officer told law enforcement he could lock down the area “for hours.”

The area is planned to be the site of the “No to Kings” rally on October 18. It is unclear whether the two incidents are related.

This story is developing. Check back for more.

This article first appeared in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Police are asking residents to avoid the area of ​​downtown Sioux Falls