Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Grenade Found in Rock Creek Park

On October 1, at approximately 7:55 a.m., the United States Park Police were notified of a suspicious device in Rock Creek Park. A National Park Service maintenance worker first observed the device in the north playing field, north of Morrow Drive, in NW Washington DC. The responding officer determined it to be a possible grenade and a perimeter was established. Residents living in homes along Kennedy Place were notified to evacuate the area.

The Metropolitan Police Explosive Ordinance Unit was requested. They responded and checked the device and reported it to be a legitimate grenade. They contacted the Military Explosive Ordinance Unit to assist in recovering the device. The device was recovered, rendered safe and turned over to the custody of the United States Park Police. The surrounding area was checked and the scene was cleared.

The incident is currently under investigation. Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.