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Update: Suspicious package was smoke alarm, police say

Police reopened the roadway at about 3:30 p.m.

Update: Suspicious package was smoke alarm, police say
Police have closed a Berkeley block for a suspicious package, April 29, 2026. Ariel Nava Photo

Police closed the 1700 block of Shattuck Avenue in North Berkeley on Wednesday to investigate a "suspicious suitcase" making beeping noises, authorities report.

Police initially got the report about the suitcase behind some bushes on Shattuck Avenue near Virginia Street at about 12:10 p.m.

"Officers have closed off the street for vehicle and pedestrian traffic" until Explosive Ordnance Disposal team members "can evaluate the object," BPD said just after 1:30 p.m.

Police have closed a Berkeley block for a suspicious package, April 29, 2026. Ariel Nava Photo

Stay tuned for updates.

Update, 3:33 p.m. Police reopened Shattuck Avenue at about 3:30 p.m. after determining that the beeping suitcase was due to a smoke alarm.

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