Suspicious Device Rendered Safe At Mall

Last night around 8:00 pm, Lafayette Police were notified of a suspicious device at the Mall of Acadiana, located at 5725 Johnston Street.  The device in question was located on the exterior of the mall adjacent to the food court. Lafayette Police, with the assistance of the Lafayette Sheriffs Office, evacuated the food court and the Sears corridors and their adjacent parking areas.  The Lafayette Fire Department’s Haz-Mat Unit responded and after examining the device requested the assistance of the Louisiana State Police.  Upon the arrival of State Police Personnel, the device was rendered safe. Investigators with the Lafayette Police Department, FBI, ATF and the Lafayette Fire Department examined evidence in and around the device at the scene. It was determined that the device was not an explosive.  Investigators with the Lafayette Police Department will be handling the investigation as to how the device came to be at the mall and its origin. The case remains under investigation.