Last month a toy sparked a bomb scare that prompted the evacuation of part of Miami International Airport. A janitor cleaning a restroom spotted a small object that resembled an explosive device and alerted airport officials, who then contacted police, the Miami Herald reported.
After an inspection by authorities, the object was determined to be a toy grenade. Still, the concourse was evacuated and bomb squad personnel, accompanied by K-9 units, responded to the scene as a precaution.
“Yes, [the toy was] like the grenades you see in the cartoons. But you have to understand, when something that had the potential to end another way ends like this, you realize tonight is a good night,” said Lee Cowart, a police spokesman for Miami-Dade.
The airport was able to resume normal operations after about two hours, although some flights experienced delays because of the investigation and security procedures.
Authorities have not determined who left the toy at the location; the matter remains under investigation. “We’re very happy this was a false alarm. We want people to keep saying something when they see something,” Cowart added, emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious items to maintain public safety.