CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLERIGHTNOW) – A suspicious package reported Monday night at the Rio Hill Shopping Center led to a significant police response before being declared safe by Albemarle County Police.

Officers responded to the scene and conducted a thorough investigation. By 10:45 p.m., police confirmed the package was empty and posed no threat. The area was cleared, and normal operations resumed.

During the incident, drivers were told to avoid the shopping center due to the increased law enforcement presence.