The cylinder resembled a small pipe bomb, according to a press release from the Durham Police Department, but was later found to not be a threat.
At about 10:30 p.m., a security officer at the mall found the object in a south side parking lot, according to the release.
Durham police were called, and the Parkwood Fire Department, Durham Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Unit and the Durham County Sheriff's Bomb Unit were deployed, the press release states.
Several businesses were cleared.
Walkways and the parking lot within 1,000 feet of the cylinder were blocked off, according to the police department's release.
About 12:30 a.m., a bomb unit member examined the object, checking for radiation.
No trace of radioactive biohazard substance was detected, the press release states.
The bomb unit tried to detonate the cylinder about 12:50 a.m., but the object did not release any substances or explode.
All restricted outside areas were reopened in five minutes, the release states.
