Members of the Chattanooga Police Department’s bomb squad suit up to investigate a “suspicious package” discovered in front of At Home store on South Terrace, Monday morning.

Emergency personnel from East Ridge Fire and Police were called to the At Home store on South Terrace Monday morning to investigate a “suspicious package.”

According to authorities, employees of the At Home store noticed a “briefcase/suitcase style” bag near a garbage can on the sidewalk in front of the store at about 8:45 a.m.

ERPD Chief J.R. Reed said he called in help from the Chattanooga Police Department’s Bomb Squad. Chief Reed said that he “wasn’t taking any chances.”

Police established a 300-foot perimeter around the expansive parking lot of the shopping complex. Fire Chief Mike Williams said that people inside the Rave theater were allowed to shelter in place. People who had appointments at the Physician’s Care facility on the corner of McBrien Road and the Terrace were not inconvenienced by the investigation.

A technician from the bomb squad suited up in a protective uniform, walked up the package and used a portable x-ray device to see what may be inside the briefcase. The results of the x-ray revealed the package was empty, authorities said.

The all-clear was given at 10:32 a.m.

“You know the old saying, an ounce of prevention …,” Chief Reed said. 

Chief Reed said he wanted to thank the efforts of the CPD’s bomb squad for its prompt response and cooperation in the incident.

East Ridge Fire Chief Mike Williams and Police Chief J.R. Reed huddle under the protective hatchback of an SUV Monday morning during the investigation of a “suspicious package” discovered at the At Home store on South Terrace.