'Suspicious packages' in Cape May mall turn up safe

Police evacuated the Washington Street Mall in Cape May on Monday after two suspicious packages were found.

The Cape May Police Department was notified of an unattended package in the area of Ocean Street and Washington Street at 5:29 p.m. Monday, according to a news release Tuesday.

Officers responded and “determined the package met criteria to be considered a suspicious package and immediately created a safe area requesting civilians in the area to vacate until further investigation.”

Police expanded a safe area for residents and visitors. K-9 units from the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office performed a sweep of the nearby pedestrian mall. The Cape May Office of Emergency Management and Cape May Fire Police assisted with crowd and traffic control, the release stated.

While conducting a search of the area, a second package was located and was similar to the initial package. Authorities did not elaborate on the details of the packages.

The Cape May Police Department called in for assistance from Cape May County and the Atlantic City Bomb Squad for further evaluation of the packages.

The Atlantic City Bomb Squad determined that both packages were not hazardous and the scene was declared safe.