After a fake grenade was taken from the East River on Wednesday afternoon, the NYPD issued warnings to residents of two upscale high-rise apartment complexes on the shoreline of Long Island City to keep off balconies and away from windows.
A 32-story apartment complex facing the East River, 4540 Center Blvd., received a 911 call about a grenade being found nearby. According to authorities, the NYPD Bomb Squad was called to the site and showed up shortly after.
According to authorities, the Bomb Squad members examined the item and determined it to be a “inert” dummy grenade before removing it to its facility in Rodmans Neck, in the Bronx.
According to the U.S. Marine Corps website, an inert grenade simulates the explosion of a live grenade by emitting a slight audible pop from a timed fuse. Due to its hollow interior and lack of explosive properties, it is frequently employed as a teaching tool.
Police were unable to pinpoint exactly where or how the device was first located, but a local resident from the Hunters Point South Waterfront Residents Facebook page claimed that it was discovered while someone was magnet fishing, which involves searching the water for metal objects.
A group member put up a message from TF Cornerstone telling residents of the apartment complex and the nearby high-rise at 4545 Center Blvd. to remain off balconies and windows because “a grenade was found in the river.”
Police officers and the NYPD Bomb Squad are seen on video at the location.
According to police, a probe into the device’s findings is currently underway.
