PALATKA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Goodwill store had to be evacuated Thursday after someone found a live hand grenade inside a donation bin, according to Palatka, Florida, police.
The Palatka Police Department said its officers immediately responded to the location on South State Road 19 after the explosive was found.
Everyone was evacuated, and the scene was secured while the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad worked to safely remove the device.
Authorities said the grenade was remotely detonated in a secure location.
A spokesperson for Goodwill told First Coast News the explosive device appeared to have been among items donated to the store, but it never made it to the retail floor.
“We want to remind the community to thoroughly check all items before donating, ensuring that hazardous items, such as explosives, firearms, or ammunition, are not accidentally included,” Palatka police said.
Anyone who comes across a device that appears to be an explosive should not touch or handle it. Authorities said to alert law enforcement and evacuate the area so they can have it safely removed.