LAPD Investigates Report of Explosives Found in Downtown LA Car

Police received a call about potential explosives in a vehicle near the LA Marathon route.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating a report of explosives found in a car in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday. A caller contacted a federal agency to alert them of the explosives near the intersection of West 5th and Figueroa Streets. The agency then alerted LAPD, who responded to the scene. Police have not confirmed if explosives were actually found, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Why it matters

This incident comes just days before the LA Marathon, raising concerns about public safety and security around the major event. While police say the report appears unrelated to the marathon, it highlights the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness in the city.

The details

According to the LAPD, a caller contacted an unnamed federal agency to report explosives in a car near the intersection of West 5th and Figueroa Streets in downtown LA. The federal agency then alerted the LAPD, who responded to investigate the scene. Police have not confirmed whether explosives were actually found in the vehicle.

  • The report came in on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • The LA Marathon is scheduled for the following weekend.

The players

LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department, which is leading the investigation into the reported explosives.

Unnamed federal agency

The federal agency that received the initial call about the explosives and alerted the LAPD.

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What they’re saying

“This appears to have nothing to do with the marathon.”

— LAPD (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

The LAPD will continue to work with federal partners to ensure the safety of the LA Marathon runners and spectators, and will take all such incidents seriously.

The takeaway

This incident, coming just days before the LA Marathon, highlights the need for heightened security and vigilance around major events to protect public safety, even when reports of potential threats may ultimately prove unfounded.