2 Abandoned Backpacks In Herndon Prompt Major Police Response

HERNDON, VA — Two abandoned backpacks caused separate scares in Herndon recently, resulting in a significant response from local police and the Fairfax County Police Department's Explosive Ordinance Disposal units.

Police were first called to the 700 block of Center Street on June 2 to a report of an abandoned backpack in the corner of a gravel lot, according to a report from the Herndon Police Department.

Police called on in a county EOD unit, which used a robot to "determine whether the backpack contained anything dangerous," the report states.

The backpack had bottles of water and some personal items in it, and was deemed not to be a threat.

Police were called the next day to the 700 block of Elden Street after a backpack was left unattended for an extended period of time near Herndon Festival activities.

"Fairfax County Police Department’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit was requested and responded," the report states. "The backpack was x-rayed, and it was determined it did not appear to contain anything dangerous. An EOD technician opened the backpack, which contained various personal items."

Image via Herndon Police Department