Crime & Safety

Police Evacuate Tyson's Corner Movie Theater

All 16 movie theaters were evacuated Saturday night, just after midnight.

Mary Ann Barton, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

Fairfax County police and fire personnel responded Saturday night to the Tyson’s Corner Center AMC Theaters in McLean shortly after midnight for a report of suspicious “popping noises,” according to the Fairfax County Police Department. 

Officials and theater employees quickly determined that the noises were not gunfire; but were the result of a detonation of two soda bottle “chemical” devices. There were no injuries.

Reports indicated that there were two devices near the entrances of two of the movie theaters. There are a total of 16 theaters in the complex. In an abundance of caution, all 16 theaters, and the food court, were evacuated so that officials could ensure there were no additional devices in the area.

The Fire Marshal’s office is seeking witnesses and information from anyone who may be able to help identify a suspect in this case. 

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Anyone with information is asked to call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131 or contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at http://www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637. All tips will be forwarded to Fire Marshal investigators.

Were you at the theater? What did you see and hear?

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