Authorities in the Mississippi Golden Triangle were caught off guard over the weekend when a citizen brought a live grenade to a law enforcement facility.
The unidentified individual took what appeared to be a military-style grenade to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday. Sheriff Eddie Hawkins reported that the citizen brought the explosive device for disposal purposes, not to harm anybody.
Deputies are said to have secured the area and contacted the Tupelo Police Department Bomb Squad for assistance. Upon arrival, the Tupelo Bomb Squad used x-ray technology to examine the device and determined that the grenade was a live explosive. The device was safely removed from the scene and will be properly disposed.
“Do not transport or handle explosive devices. If you discover a suspicious device, grenade, or ordnance, immediately move to a safe distance. Call 911 so trained personnel can respond and ensure safe disposal,” Hawkins told the public. “We want to express our gratitude to the Tupelo Bomb Squad for their swift response and professionalism in addressing this incident.”
Hawkins added there is no threat to the public, but the situation remains under investigation.
