Evacuation order lifted in Wake Forest after suspicious object deemed harmless

No injuries were reported from the incident, which was reported at 1 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Place, which is located at 400 South Brooks Street.

Bill Crabtree, a spokesman for the town, said the unidentified object was found by crews from Wake Forest Power who were performing work in a construction zone between South Franklin and South Brooks streets.

The Raleigh Police Department bomb squad was called to the scene and the unit deployed its bomb robot.

Crabtree said the item has been identified as a “sacrificial anode,” which is a device used by PSNC Gas on its gas lines. The unit helps locate and protect the utility's gas lines. The device is non-explosive and does not pose any threat to safety, according to a statement from Crabtree.

The sprawling shopping center complex houses the Over the Falls restaurant, Page 158 Books, and a Dollar General discount store.

Authorities said some afternoon events at the Renaissance Center have been canceled, including a 3 p.m. movie screening, while officials investigate the object.