Man Sought After Palmetto Expressway Bomb Scare

Miami Gardens police say "person of interest" Lee E. Lewis is considered armed and dangerous

A former Broward County inmate is being sought for questioning after a bomb scare shut down a portion of the Palmetto Expressway for six hours Friday evening.

Miami Gardens police say Lee E. Lewis, who recently served time for grand theft auto and possession of methamphetamines, is considered armed and dangerous. The 28-year-old is also wanted on a weapons violation.

A person fitting Lewis' description was reportedly seen leaving a silver hearse on the Palmetto beneath an overpass near 167th Street and Northwest 17th Avenue on Friday.

A Miami Gardens police officer approached the vehicle just before 5 p.m. and spotted firearms and other weapons inside.

The Palmetto was shut down in both directions between the exits for 27th and 37th Avenues while a bomb squad investigated.

Witnesses reported seeing several black bags removed from the hearse by a remote-controlled bomb squad robot, but police remain tight-lipped about what may have been inside.

The closure brough rush hour traffic to a standstill, and nearby businesses were also evacuated.

The Palmetto was finally re-opened around 10:15 p.m., and the hearse was towed away overnight.

It is not yet known if any other evidence ties Lewis to the hearse, but anyone with any information about Lewis is urged to call Detective O. Perdomo at 305-474-1553.

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