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The package sent from a VA man was received by a resident in the 5000 block of Martin Avenue, East Petersburg, PA around 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 3, 2023, according to a release by the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department.
"The package contained a stuffed animal that appeared to have been manipulated to resemble a pipe bomb," the police said, "The recipient had placed the package outside and called the police."
The police immediately launched an investigation and "initiated protocols associated with explosive devices including contacting expert resources with PA State Police and securing the immediate area," this included evacuating "several residents," the police explained.
The NLCRPD tracked down the sender who claims he sent the PA resident the package as part of a "prank," according to the police release.
The VA man went on to claim that the "recipient had been communicating online for an ongoing period of time and the 'prank' was in association with their prior communication," as stated in the release.
The Pennsylvania State Police Bomb Squad identified the suspicious package as a fake bomb and deemed it was not a threat to public safety. The package, in its entirety, was "secured for evidentiary purposes," the police said.
The evacuated residents were contacted as their homes were cleared for a safe return.
The incident remains under an "active investigation," by the NLCRPD.
The police say criminal charges are pending, but it is unclear if they are for the VA man or both him and the PA resident, as it is unclear how involved the PA resident was in the prank.
Anyone with information is asked to call NLCRPD at (717)733-0965, the Lancaster County Crime Stoppers at (800) 322-1913, or submit a tip here.
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