Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge, Virginia, was evacuated just before its scheduled closing time as county police investigated a suspicious device left in the area. Residents of Prince William County were asked to avoid the area, and police noted an increased presence around the shopping center.
Police said sometime later that the device was determined to “be inert and posed no danger.” They added that no additional devices were discovered by officers in the area. Police units left the scene, saying that no threat remains for those traversing that portion of Woodbridge. No physical details on the suspicious device were given, and officers did not have any additional information when asked by reporters.
UPDATE: Prince William County Police say the device that was found at Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge is not a danger to the public.
They say the device is inert and no additional devices were found. Police evacuated the mall earlier and they’re leaving the area now. — Juan Herrera (@JuanHNews) February 13, 2022
Police did tell WTOP that the decision to clear the mall was not uncommon and that the practice was standard procedure. “The mall was going to close soon, and the decision to evacuate the area was a precaution,” a spokesperson for the department said.
*INCIDENT: #PoliceActivity | #Woodbridge — Officers are on scene investigating a suspicious device that was located at Potomac Mills Mall. The area is currently being evacuated and residents are being asked to avoid the area. A heavy police presence may be expected. pic.twitter.com/wWzRmdOTJZ
— Prince William County Police Department (@PWCPolice) February 13, 2022
The spokesperson could not give additional details on the device but did say that the item was discovered in the food court. More information is expected in the coming days. WTOP’s Juan Herrera contributed to this reporting.