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A live hand grenade was discovered in a donation bin at a Goodwill store in Palatka, Florida, prompting an immediate evacuation on Thursday (December 11). According to the Palatka Police Department, officers quickly secured the scene and evacuated the building as a precaution. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad was called in to handle the situation. They safely retrieved the grenade and remotely detonated it in a secure location.
The grenade was found among items donated to the store but had not reached the retail floor. Authorities are urging the public to carefully inspect items before donating, ensuring hazardous materials like explosives, firearms, or ammunition are not included.
The Palatka police emphasized that anyone who encounters a suspicious item should not touch it, but instead evacuate the area and contact law enforcement immediately. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when donating items to public places.