Suspicious item in Lincoln home identified as smoke grenade; several drugs also seized

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The suspicious item found in a central Lincoln home on Monday was a smoke grenade, court documents reveal.

Police discovered the grenade while carrying out a search warrant at a home near 28th and L streets in the Woods Park neighborhood.

The man who lived in the basement, 32-year-old Patrick Thompson, was charged Tuesday with several drug and weapon felonies.

SEE ALSO: Suspicious item removed from Lincoln home after search by police, LFR says

Before the search, Thompson was arrested at a different location.

Police said they found a baggie of fresh marijuana and more than $1,600 in cash in his pockets.

Investigators with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force then searched his basement bedroom.

An arrest affidavit says they discovered about 3 ounces of cocaine, 1.7 pounds of fresh marijuana, half an ounce of psilocybin mushrooms and numerous THC products.

Investigators said they also found evidence of drug sales, including a digital scale and baggies.

But the search yielded much more than drugs, according to the affidavit.

Police said they also found a handgun, which Thompson was prohibited from possessing as a convicted felon, and an M83 smoke grenade.

The Lincoln Fire & Rescue bomb squad was called to remove and dispose of the grenade.

Thompson was released on parole in August after being sentenced in 2020 for possession of marijuana and operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest.

He is now facing possession with intent to deliver cocaine, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, possession of money during a drug violation, possession of a firearm during a drug violation and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Lancaster County Judge Laurie Yardley set Thompson’s bond at $500,000.

His next court appearance is set for Aug. 19.