NEWTON, Kan. — there was a bomb threat at Harvey County Community Corrections in Newton Monday morning. They then received a second report Monday afternoon.
According to Newton Police, officers were dispatched to the second report of an explosive device at around 4:50 p.m. The device was discovered near the intersection of SE 2nd and Ash and reported to be a grenade wired to some scrap metal. Once on scene, officers approached the device and were able to determine it was an inert training grenade, and removed it from the area.
They do not believe the second device was related to the earlier Improvised Explosive Device planted near Harvey County Community Corrections.
Earlier they received a bomb threat near the community corrections building. The suspicious package was found outside in front of the building. Newton Police evacuated surrounding buildings as a precaution. That included the Hutchinson Community College Newton Center.
ATF agents and the Wichita bomb squad were on scene and they used a bomb squad robot to dismantled the package, which did contain a device. It included a bottle of fluid, a timer and electrical wires according to the Newton Police Department Facebook page. A bomb squad officer in protective gear went close to further investigate the contents. The device was eventually dismantled with no detonation.
Police are still investigating the incident. Police are asking anyone who may have information regarding the I.E.D. at the Harvey County Community Corrections, to call Sgt. Bryan Hall at the Newton Police Department at 316-284-6030. There is also a “fight crime” app on the Newton Police Department Facebook page, if someone wants to leave an anonymous tip.