Empty Briefcase in Front of Vons Marketplace in Redondo Beach Caused a Bomb Scare

REDONDO BEACH, CA -- An empty metal briefcase caused a bomb scare at the Vons Marketplace on Tuesday night in Redondo Beach, police said.

An employee noticed the briefcase at around 6:30 p.m. right outside the entrance to the supermarket, located at 1212 Beryl St., and called police to investigate.

Redondo Beach Police Department responded with its bomb-sniffing dogs and also requested the assistance of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Bomb Squad, a police sergeant said.

Beryl Street between Flagler Lane and Prospect Avenue was closed for more than two hours as police investigate the incident. The shopping center's parking lot was also closed, police said.

A briefcase was rendered safe at around 9:45 p.m. and the street was reopened.

Photo via Shutterstock