Rice Cooker Shuts Down Road Near Southcenter Mall

TUKWILA, WA - A suspicious device shut down Southcenter Boulevard Wednesday afternoon, but it was later determined to be an empty rice cooker, according to Tukwila police.

The rice cooker forced police to close Southcenter Boulevard along a stretch near the Tukwila Municipal Court north of I-405. The rice cooker was left at a bus shelter.

The Port of Seattle bomb squad came to the scene with a robot, which was able to approach and dismantle the rice cooker. Nothing suspicious was found inside, according to police.

The incident caused delays along a major artery between I-5 and Renton, but was reopened a little after 4 p.m. Police apologized for delays, but reminded local residents that they were acting in the interests of public safety. Pressure cookers, which look similar to rice cookers, have been used in the past as explosive devices.

Image courtesy Tukwila police