Madison, WI – A suspicious object reported Monday morning at the UW Arboretum was determined to be an inert training grenade, prompting a large police response but no threat to public safety, according to University of Wisconsin–Madison Police.
Around 9:30 a.m., a passerby flagged down a UWPD officer conducting routine patrol, reporting what appeared to be a grenade resting on a railing along the boardwalk near the Mills Street entrance. The officer investigated the scene and verified the report, prompting officers to quickly cordon off the area and shut down Arboretum Drive.
According to UWPD, assistance was requested from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office Hazardous Devices Unit, which responded and identified the object as an empty training grenade. By 11:30 a.m., the area was declared safe and reopened to the public.
It remains unclear why the device was left on the boardwalk. Authorities suggested it may have been discovered elsewhere and abandoned by someone unsure how to dispose of it. Police emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious or potentially dangerous items to law enforcement for proper handling.
No injuries were reported, and there is no ongoing threat connected to the incident.
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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