JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Reports of gunfire in a neighborhood turned into a hazardous device investigation for Jacksonville police Thursday morning when a man reported finding an “improvised device” in his backyard.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the man called police to his home on Mulberry Street, northeast of Tallulah Avenue, just before 7 a.m. after someone shot up his car.
When police arrived to investigate, he told them he’d found an “improvised device” next to his home in the backyard a few days ago. Investigators did not know why the man had not reported the device earlier.
Officers said the device appeared suspicious enough that the man was evacuated and the Hazardous Device Unit was called to investigate. They were working to determine what the device was.
Investigators said the device appeared damaged, but it was unclear if it had detonated.
Police said they did not have any suspect information, but this appears to be an isolated incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call JSO at 904-630-0500 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.