San Diego Fire officials and police have determined that a suspicious device found in North Park on Sunday afternoon was nothing more than a hoax.
The hours-long situation unfolded just outside an alley entrance in the area on Robinson Avenue in between Georgia and Florida St.
Police blocked off the area, closing Florida St. from University Av. to Florida Court and the 1800 to 2000 blocks of Robinson Ave. Police also evacuated about a dozen homes.
Earlier, the item was said to be a metal canister with wires hanging out of it.
After x-raying and assessing the device, it was discovered that the inside of the canister contained only soapy water, said Maurice Luque, SDFD.
Whoever made the device, intended for it to look like an actual bomb, Luque said.
Crews were expected to be clearing the scene until 6 p.m. at which point residents would be allowed back into their homes and allowed to leave them.
All blocked off streets were expected to reopen by then as well.
The situation began just after 9:30 a.m. when an officer reported the device.
An investigation is planned in order to find a suspect in the case. "They may face felony charges,” Luque said.
