OfficerBlueLake Wales, FL – An explosive device has gone off in the Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales, according to ABC Action News.
WFLA is reporting that there were no injuries from the explosion, and that the device was detonated in a hallway at the JCPenny entrance.
The explosion has caused damage to a drop ceiling and wall, and police and the fire department have responded.
WFTV advises that the fire department located a second possible IED in the building.
UPDATE: WTSP is reporting that multiple additional IEDs were found in the backpack.
UPDATE: FBI says that this wasn’t an IED, but somebody wanted to make it look like it was.
A person of interest was seen and described as a middle-aged white male, heavy/stocky build, wearing a gray shirt, and gray hat.
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