Wilmington, IL – A Wilmington neighborhood was briefly disrupted today after police responded to a report of a suspicious grenade discovered inside a residential garage, prompting a safety lockdown and the deployment of the Cook County Bomb Squad.
According to the Wilmington Police Department, officers were dispatched around 2:20 p.m. Wednesday to a home in the 900 block of Buchanan Street after family members cleaning out the garage reported finding what appeared to be a grenade. Officers arrived and quickly secured the area, instructing residents nearby to shelter in place as a precaution, and closing off the roadway while the item was investigated.
Authorities said the Cook County Bomb Squad was called in after a brief on-site investigation determined there was probable cause to believe the device could still be operational. The squad safely removed the item for proper disposal and conducted additional safety checks at the scene.
Upon examination, the device was determined to be an inert grenade, meaning it was not a live explosive. According to police, the grenade is believed to have belonged to a family member who previously served in the military, and it may have been stored in the garage for an extended period without the current residents’ knowledge.
No injuries, threats, or charges resulted from the incident, and officials emphasized that the response was precautionary to ensure the safety of the community. Wilmington Fire Protection District assisted at the scene.
Police thanked the Cook County Bomb Squad and Wilmington Fire for their assistance and reminded residents to contact authorities immediately if they encounter any suspicious or unknown items.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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