A worker was injured when an explosive device detonated inside a Lorton, Va., deli Wednesday morning, authorities said.
It is unclear whether the device was carried inside or thrown into the building.
Fairfax County police and firefighters responded to the Lorton Sub Shop, located at 9504 Richmond Highway, around 10:40 a.m. The FBI was also called to the scene as a matter of protocol, but a spokesperson told News4 that the incident is being considered a local matter.
Neighbors who live in townhomes across the street told News4's David Culver that the business had been targeted by vandals in the past.
"They vandalized inside, they broke the windows, they did the same thing almost," neighbor Patrick Naranjo said. "They destroyed the place."
Naranjo said the injured employee waved to him every time he passed by the shop.
At least one person was seen running from the sub shop after the explosion, police said. Police searched the area with helicopter and K9 units.
Investigators carried bags of evidence out of the shop and searched a sedan parked in front.
The injured employee was taken to the Washington Hospital Center's Burn Unit. Authorities have not yet confirmed the victim's name.
A neighboring business also was damaged by the blast.
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Photo Credit: Hugh Hinds, NBCWashington.com