Devices Ignited At Eagle Ridge Mall Were Marine Flares: FBI

LAKE WALES, FL — The FBI has determined that the two devices ignited in a corridor at the Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales were marine flares that created a large amount of smoke. Earlier reports described the devices as pipe bombs, but FBI agents said there is no indication of any explosion at the mall and no pipe bombs were found.

The flares were ignited in a service corridor near JCPenney. The corridor is located away from shoppers near a loading dock where the store receives deliveries. No one was hurt, authorities said.

A backpack located nearby did not contain any incendiary or explosive devices, according to bomb technicians who examined its contents. There is no current indication of any terrorist connection to this incident, according to the FBI.

The FBI is working with state and local law enforcement to identify the individual or individuals responsible. Police said witnesses saw a middle-aged white male with a stocky build running away from the scene. He was wearing a gray shirt and a gray hat. Police now consider him a “person of interest."

Lake Wales firefighters arrived at the mall responding to a fire about 5:30 p.m. and discovered smoke coming from the service corridor next to the mall entrance of JCPenny. Firefighters found the devices had been ignited in the corridor and discovered a backpack nearby. Police officials said a ceiling was damaged.

The mall was evacuated as a precaution. About 100 people were in the mall at the time of the incident. The mall usually closes at 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The mall opened at 10 a.m. Monday and will be closing at its usual time of 9 p.m.

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