Suspicious package prompts partial evacuation of Waterside

Posted to: News Norfolk
Login or register to post comments

By Harry Minium
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 26, 2011

NORFOLK

It turned out to be a false alarm, but fears that an abandoned briefcase could contain a bomb forced police and fire personnel to shut down a portion of the Waterside festival marketplace for nearly two hours on Monday.

Most of the back side of Waterside, including Hooters and Joe’s Crab Shack restaurants, was evacuated and the city’s harbor patrol shut down traffic to the Waterside marina.

Fire Capt. Mike Marsala said officials used a robot to X-ray the briefcase, then opened it with a high-powered hose. The briefcase was empty, Marsala said.

Traffic on nearby Waterside Drive was not affected, he said.

COMMENTS ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here; comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its websites. Users must follow agreed-upon rules: Be civil, be clean, be on topic; don't attack private individuals, other users or classes of people. Read the full rules here.
- Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the report violation link below it.