The "all-clear" was sounded shortly after noon at a southwest Atlanta shopping center where a suspicious package was found late Tuesday morning.

Authorities had cordoned off a large portion of the parking lot at the Kroger store on Metropolitan Parkway at Cleveland Avenue.

The package, which appeared to be a large backpack, was lying on the ground between two overturned grocery carts.

The police bomb squad examined the package, and gave the all clear signal about 12:15 p.m.

Police later said the backpack contained clothing and a DVD player.

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Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez