SAN DIEGO - The discovery of what appeared to be a suspicious device behind a Rolando-area school prompted a response from authorities Thursday afternoon.

At about 1:15 p.m., Clay Elementary School's campus police found what appeared to be a scarecrow hooked up to a solar panel behind the school, which is located in the 6500 block of Solita Avenue.

Campus police notified authorities, and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department's Bomb Arson Unit responded.

About 15 minutes later, investigators determined the contraption was harmless.

The school was not evacuated or locked down during the investigation, fire officials and school officials told 10News.