Phony Bomb Fashioned From Fondant Causes Scare At Detroit Federal Courthouse
DETROIT (WWJ) - The all clear has been given outside the federal courthouse in downtown Detroit after authorities examined a suspicious device that turned out to be a sugary treat.
WWJ's Vickie Thomas reports it was a serious situation when police were called to the scene, Monday morning, about the object that appeared to be a ball with a fuse attached to it.
"But now a few folks are chuckling because it didn't take long for the Detroit Bomb Squad to deal with the suspiciously sweet device," Thomas said.
"Someone actually used fondant...it's used in baking. You can actually mold it over things, and this person molded it over a Styrofoam ball to create an M-80 — complete with fuse and all."
Officer Steve Murdock said the phony bomb was found near the ramp to the federal courthouse.
Police and fire crews and federal authorities had blocked off Lafayette and other streets near the federal courthouse for the duration of the investigation. By 9 a.m. people were again being allowed in and around the building.
Murdock said video security footage shows a suspect, at around 10 p.m. Sunday, kicking the device into place.
Police believe the object was intended to create a scare. There were no immediate arrests as an investigation continues.