UPDATE: Large first responder presence after reports of suspicious package found in parking lot

JACKSON, Tenn. — Authorities respond to a suspicious package left in the parking lot in front of a local movie theater.

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News received a tip about a police presence at Hollywood 16 on Vann Drive and, when we arrived, authorities were investigating the scene.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Large police presence seen at Hollywood 16 Cinema in Jackson

The manager of the Hollywood 16 movie theater told us about a customer telling them about a suspicious noise coming from a package in the parking lot.

A call was placed to law-enforcement and they responded immediately. Authorities from the explosive mitigation unit, police, fire, and emergency medical were on scene.

In a news release from the Jackson Police Department, they told us that when officer’s responded to the threat, they saw indicators consistent with a potential explosive device.

They set up a perimeter as a precaution and after their visual examination they were unable to confirm its contents, so they used a low energy disruption device to safely neutralize and examine the package.

Occupants of local businesses in the area were asked to remain inside while authorities determined the threat.

After they followed procedure, they determined the package was not an explosive device and posed no threat to the community. They then removed police tape, and gave the all-clear.

Once people received the go-ahead, businesses were able to allow people to go back to their vehicles and reopen the surrounding area.

After the incident concluded the theater reopened and continued with business as usual.

The Jackson Police Department encourages citizens to remain observant and if you see something, say something. They say reporting suspicious activity is a vital part of keeping our city safe.

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