MASON, Ohio -- A suspicious item forced a popular Ohio theme park to close early Tuesday night.
The item that forced Kings Island to close prematurely turned out to be a "basic fire cracker," according to the Mason Police Department.
Security staff found the item just outside Kings Island's perimeter, park spokesman Chad Showalter said.
Showalter said Mason police asked the park to close early — about a half-hour ahead of the normal time — to help officers complete the investigation.
"The safety and security of our guests and associates is Kings Island’s top priority," Showalter said.
He added the park will reopen at its regular time, 10 a.m., on Wednesday.
