(update 9pm Roanoke County PD spokesperson) Maintenance staff found a safe on the property and moved it. It appeared suspicious and they called Roanoke County Police. Virginia State Police bomb technicians were called in to assist. The safe was x-rayed and discovered to contain explosives. VSP took the explosives to disable and properly dispose of them. Apartment buildings were evacuated out of an abundance of caution. Police continue to investigate the origins of the safe. According to Roanoke Co. Police, maintenance staff found a safe at around 2 p.m. and identified something suspicious. They then called Virginia State Police bomb technicians to assist. The safe was x-rayed and was shown to include three sticks of dynamite and other IED explosives. Media reports say crews are currently working to neutralize the devices.
(previous Roanoke County police release) The Roanoke County Police Department is investigating a report of a suspicious device located at the Villages at Garst Creek. Out of an abundance of caution, some nearby apartment units are being evacuated. Virginia State Police and ATF have been notified and are en route. Additional information will be released when it’s available.
