Update: "Radioactive Package" Found At Lafayette Intersection Was Stolen From Walnut Creek Business

A package labeled "radioactive" that was found at a Lafayette intersection Tuesday morning had been stolen from a Walnut Creek business, authorities said.

The discovery of the container caused two street closures as well as the evacuation of a few businesses until it was determined the contents inside were not dangerous.

Contra Costa County Sheriff's spokesman Jimmy Lee said the 2-foot by 2-foot green box discovered at Brown Avenue and Mt. Diablo Boulevard contained an underground detecting radar device.

Lee said it's uncertain who left the device there. He said the container was stolen Monday night from a Walnut Creek business that Lee declined to name. He said the business owner had come to Lafayette and retrieved the box.

The incident began at 8:20 a.m. when an employee at Lafayette Auto Supply discovered the green box in the company's parking lot.

A Contra Costa County hazardous materials team was called in to investigate.

The westbound lanes of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and both lanes of Brown Avenue were closed off. Several nearby businesses were also evacuated.

"Police weren't sure at that point what they were dealing with," said Lee.

Once it was determined the device wasn't dangerous, the container was dusted for fingerprints and then carted off.

The streets were re-opened about 10 a.m. and the businesses were re-opened.