The Port St. Lucie Goodwill Store on SW Gatlin Boulevard got more than it had anticipated when an employee was combing through a donated bin … and spotted a grenade.
Approximately 40 people from inside the store and surrounding area were evacuated as a safety precaution when Port St. Lucie police and the St. Lucie County Bomb Squad responded May 15, shortly before 5 p.m.
A bomb technician was able to determine that the military grade grenade was, in fact, inert and not a danger. Law enforcement took custody of the grenade.
Officials were unable to determine who donated the bin containing the grenade.
Authorities encourage residents to take care when encountering hand grenades, munitions and other unknown projectiles by calling for law enforcement’s help rather than handling on their own.
“We want to keep everyone safe,” the police department said in a prepared statement about the incident.
Anyone who encounters such a device is encouraged to call 911 to report it.
