Suspicious-BatteriesRoanoke Police say a “suspicious device” that led to the closing of several blocks this morning was a series of batteries and wires taped together — but there was no detonating device that presented any danger. Until they knew for sure, traffic and pedestrians were kept away from the area around 8th and Campbell Southeast. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.

(Continue reading for the full Roanoke Police news release.)

Roanoke, VA – The Roanoke Police Department and Roanoke Fire-EMS responded to the 800 block of Campbell Avenue SE on June 12, 2013, at 7:53am regarding a suspicious item in a dumpster. An employee of a business nearby was emptying trash and reported the item to E-911. Roanoke Officers arrived and determined to close off adjacent streets and call the Virginia State Police Explosive Detection Unit. Upon closer inspection of the package by the Virginia State Police, it was determined there were no explosive or detonating devices located on or in the package. The package was a series of industrial type batteries taped and wired together. There has been no accompanying information or threats to determine the intent or manufacturing of the item. Due to the proximity of the item to businesses and homes, Officers exercised caution in attempt to identify the item. Roanoke Police seized the package for further investigation.