Fairfax County Police concluded that the “suspicious device” reportedly seen near the Innovation Center subway station in the Herndon neighborhood did not pose a threat.
According to scanner traffic on Open MHz, officers were dispatched to the area around 10:34 a.m. after a caller reported “a strange package that looks like a pressure cooker” near Sunrise Valley Drive.
A subsequent call indicated that the device was attached to the curb, a dispatcher said at 10:51 a.m. An officer confirmed at 11:04 a.m. that “the item is located on Innovation Drive.”
“I have (explosive ordnance disposal) resources deployed there. Ask everyone to stay away from the package,” an officer said at 11:08 a.m.
Residents of the nearby Brightview Senior Living (13700 Magna Way) were told over police radio to get to safety.
Innovation Center Drive was closed in both directions at Sunrise Valley Drive in McNair while officers investigated the “suspicious device,” the Fairfax County Police Department said in a tweet at 12:24 p.m., advising drivers to “use an alternate route.”
In an update at 1:25 p.m., the FCPD announced that the scene had been cleared and the road had been reopened to traffic. The police department did not immediately comment on what type of explosive device was used.
“Our EOD officers have determined the device is inactive and does not pose a threat to the public,” the FCPD said. “Innovation Center Drive is now open in both directions. Thank you for your patience.”
Our EOD officers have determined the device is inactive and poses no threat to the public. Innovation Center Drive is now open in both directions. Thank you for your patience. #FCPD
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) 21 August 2024