A brief but tense scene unfolded in South Jordan Wednesday evening when police evacuated a business area near City Hall after reports of a possible explosive device.

Authorities later confirmed that the suspicious item was a “novelty grenade” — a harmless replica designed to look like a real explosive.

How the Incident Began

According to South Jordan Police Officer Shaun Becker, a man called police after discovering what he thought was a grenade inside his vehicle. Officers instructed him to drive to a nearby parking lot, where they could safely inspect the device.

Once the man arrived, officers quickly cordoned off the area. The Unified Police Department bomb squad was called to assist, and nearby businesses — including Pie Pizzeria and the South Jordan Library — were evacuated as a precaution.

A KSL-TV viewer captured images showing a bomb disposal robot in the area as law enforcement worked to identify the device.

The Outcome

After inspection, police determined the object was a fake grenade often sold as a souvenir or decorative item. No explosives were found, and there was no ongoing threat to the public.

“We always err on the side of caution in these cases,” Officer Becker said, emphasizing that while it turned out to be harmless, proper safety procedures were followed to protect residents.

The investigation temporarily disrupted evening activities near City Hall but was resolved without injury or property damage.