Inert grenade discovered on sidewalk in south Lincoln neighborhood, LFR says

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — An inert grenade was found Monday morning in a south Lincoln neighborhood, LFR says.

Lincoln Fire & Rescue was called to the area of 35th and Lake streets after a caller stumbled across the inert explosive.

The agency’s hazardous device team was also called in to assist at the scene.

The news quickly spread through the neighborhood.

Longtime Lincolnite Courtney Kochaer said she had to see what happened.

“It came over my watch since I have my watch connected to my phone, and I looked at my phone and said, ‘What?'” she said. “So I told the lady that I live with that I’m going to kind of stay back and see what the heck is going on.”

Neighbors said though it was an inert grenade, it was still a scary call.

“I got chills about and scared for the people that have to live in that area, even the one that found it,” Kochaer said.

A neighbor said she’s been living in this area for the 25 years, and she’s only seen something like that one other time.

LFR bomb squad commander Capt. Tim Stohlmann noted that LFR receives about half a dozen calls about the discovery of grenades each year.

If you come across a suspected explosive, Stohlmann said it’s best to leave it alone and call 911.

The Lincoln Police Department said the grenade was stolen from an unlocked vehicle Sunday night.

It has since been returned to its owner.

On Monday afternoon, another grenade was found near 20th and Lake streets.

LPD said the two grenades had no connection with each other.

SEE ALSO: Second inert grenade found in Lincoln; officials say the two aren’t related