White House threat prompts Secret Service response; 1 suspect in custody

WASHINGTON - A suspect was taken into custody after officials said he falsely told a Secret Service officer he had planted explosives near the White House Friday morning.

The Secret Service said 33-year-old Erin Pettaway, of the District, approached the officer on the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue near Lafayette Park and told him he'd dropped explosives in the area at about 9:25 a.m.

Pettaway was immediately taken into custody and officers cleared people and traffic from the area. After a search of the area, officials determined there were no explosives. Pettaway was charged with one count of felony threats.

President Donald Trump was not at the White House at the time of the incident as he was en route to Hawaii.