SAN DIEGO — San Diego Police are investigating a suspicious package that was discovered Saturday morning outside the House of Israel cultural center in Balboa Park.
Officers were called to the area near Pan America Plaza at about 9 a.m. after the package was spotted at the top of a flagpole outside the building, according to SDPD Lieutenant Daniel Meyer.
Officers cleared the immediate area as members of the Metro Arson Strike Team arrived to take a closer look.
MAST x-rayed the package and determined it did not contain any explosives before rendering it safe.
A volunteer with the House of Israel tells CBS 8 the package appeared to have wires sticking out of it. Meyer confirmed the package did have wires showing, but said he could not give more details than that.
Meyer says police are investigating the package as targeting the House of Israel.
"This community does not tolerate this kind of behavior, and our police department does not as well," Meyer said. "This was done potentially with the intent to impact a community of people and we won't stand for that. And if during our investigation we determine there was any criminal activity those who committed the act if we are able to identify them will be held accountable."
So far police do not have a description of the person who may have placed the package on the flagpole.
The area around the House of Israel will be closed to the public as officers continue their investigation.
Meyer says at least one event that was planned to take place in the area will "likely be canceled" as a result.
CBS 8 spoke with House of Israel volunteer Stephanie Nisan, who found the package. She says they have seen pranksters leave underwear or trash bags on the flagpole -- but this felt different.
“It's terrifying," Nisan said. "Unfortunately to the House of Israel, we’re not strangers to being harassed. We get people harassing us and things that aren’t the best."