Childrens toy to blame for suspicious device in Grand Island mailbox

GRAND ISLAND - The Grand Island Police Department provided an update on the suspicious device in a mailbox. 

The suspicious device has been determined not to be an explosive device. After further investigation, officers and bomb technicians confirmed the item was a children’s toy. GIPD wants to restate that the resident who reported the item did the right thing by calling it in. Residents are encouraged to report anything that appears suspicious so it can be safely evaluated.

See the full story below. 

The Grand Island Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious device located in a mailbox in the 4300 block of Sherwood Road on Tuesday, March 10.

Officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 1:40 p.m. after a resident reported observing an unusual item inside their mailbox and provided a photo of the device to responding officers. After reviewing the image, officers determined the item appeared suspicious and initiated additional safety precautions.

Grand Island Police first deployed a drone to safely view the device from close proximity. Based on what officers observed, the Nebraska State Patrol was notified, and a bomb technician was requested to assist with the investigation. Upon arrival, the bomb technician utilized a robot to attempt to retrieve the device, but the robot was unable to grasp the item. The technician then safely secured the device by placing it into a protective containment box and transporting it to a predetermined safe location for further examination.

Authorities then determined the scene was safe and cleared the area at approximately 3:40 p.m. 

The Grand Island Police Department would like to thank the public for their cooperation, including staying clear of the area and following the directions of officers during the on-scene investigation. Anyone with additional information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Grand Island Police Department.