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Suspicious packages shut down commuter trains at Ogilvie Center

Police continue their search for the man who abandoned luggage at Ogilvie Transportation Center, triggering a bomb squad investigation, shutting down trains, inconveniencing Metra riders and evacuating the downtown station Wednesday.

The emergency closed down much of the commuter service that operates out of Ogilvie, which meant it took time for some trains and crews to get back in position, resulting in delays during the early afternoon rush as well.

No Metra trains were allowed in or out of the downtown station as of midmorning Wednesday after police were called in after a janitor saw a suitcase and a bag left near the train tracks by a man who was behaving suspiciously. Metra announced at 12:19 p.m. that trains were running again.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel confirmed the threat was not bona fide but commended responders and the janitor "who saw something suspicious and said something to authorities."

The basement, street level, train boarding area and first two floors of Ogilvie at 500 W. Madison St. were evacuated. Sections of Madison Street and the Metra Market were blocked off to the public as well.

Train alerts can be found at https://metrarail.com/.

The situation was somewhat alleviated by the fact that on the Metra UP lines, inbound train service is limited around the 11 a.m. time period. Some Metra trains operated between suburbs or were able to let passengers off in Oak Park to catch CTA trains into the city during the stoppage.

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