WASHINGTON – Arlington County police say a man dropped what appeared to be a Molotov cocktail weapon from the top floor of the Ballston Common Mall food court around noon Thursday.
A Molotov cocktail usually consists of a bottle filled with gas or alcohol and is set off by a fuse. Police say the 40-ounce bottle dropped by the suspect shattered upon impact, but there was no explosion or fire, and nobody was hurt.
The mall was evacuated, and a suspect was arrested a few hours later near the Courthouse Metro station. Police describe the suspect as a black male with curly hair, who was wearing a gray jacket. Authorities would not release his name Thursday.
FBI spokeswoman Jacqueline Maguire said charges will likely be filed as soon as possible.
Mall security staff found three more bottles on the second floor of the mall after the man fled.
The mall has since reopened.
Police are asking anyone with any knowledge of this incident to call the non-emergency line at 703.558.2222.
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