A suspicious device found in a play area in Carmel Valley turned out to be harmless, according to San Diego Fire-Rescue.
However, the investigation shut down business at a gas station and nearby shopping area for several hours Thursday morning.
The device was discovered just after 8 a.m. on a bench near the playground behind the Shell station in the 3800 block of Valley Centre Drive, officials said.
Crews cordoned off the area with yellow caution tape while the bomb squad retrieved the device.
Fire officials did not reveal exactly what the device was, but told NBC 7 that it could have harmed someone.
No injuries were reported. The area was reopened before 11 a.m.
