CEDAR RAPIDS – Police in Iowa’s second-largest city were called to remove and “mitigate” a homemade bomb from a neighborhood alley.
Just before 11:00 AM on January 3, 2023, Cedar Rapids police officers and the Cedar Rapids Metro Hazardous Devices Unit (HDU) responded to the 1700 block of Park Ave SE following the report of a suspicious device in the alley. The immediate area was cordoned-off for public safety. HDU technicians determined the suspicious item was an improvised explosive device (IED). It was safely removed and mitigated by HDU. HDU team members are specially-trained and have equipment designed to identify, analyze and safely remove devices like this.
There is an active, ongoing investigation into this case.
Police said in a statement that they “appreciate the concerned citizen who notified the Cedar Rapids Police Department about this suspicious device. We remind everyone, if you see something suspicious, do not approach or touch it and leave the immediate area. Call 911 immediately with an accurate address and description of the area where the device is located.”
