'Grenade' Found Near Bank In Lakewood Turns Out To Be Harmless
LAKEWOOD (CBSLA.com) — An object that appeared to be a hand grenade was found Saturday in Lakewood near a Bank of America, authorities said.
The small object was located near the bank at the Lakewood Center (Del Amo Boulevard at Lakewood Avenue.)
Authorities said the device posed no threat. It turned out to be a massage ball and some batteries wrapped in plastic.
The bomb squad and firefighters were dispatched to the area just before 1:10 p.m., officials said.
A fire department dispatcher would only confirm that a "suspicious" package was found at the location.
Federal authorities have warned Americans of possible terrorist activity around the July 4 holiday.
In a joint bulletin, the FBI, the National Counter-terrorism Center and the Department of Homeland Security did not warn of any known active plot, but warned that extremists could launch attacks tied to Independence Day or in reaction to perceived defamation of the Prophet Mohammed, CNN reported.
"We are encouraging all law enforcement to be vigilant and prepared," the statement read, in part. "We will also adjust security measures, seen and unseen, as necessary to protect the American people."
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