(STORY IMAGE:KHQ.COM)
MOSCOW, Idaho -The Goodwill store in Moscow, Idaho, was evacuated late Thursday afternoon after a worker discovered what appeared to be a land mine in donated items. The store was evacuated and 911 was called to investigate. Law enforcement and firefighters were on scene.
Nearby businesses were also evacuated and the Fairchild bomb squad was called to identify and dispose of the potential ordinance.
Moscow Fire Department Chief Brian Nickerson says they believe the device was a World War II-era landmine.
“We do receive unusual items in donations from time to time,” said Heather Alexander, Senior Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications for Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest. “People often have no idea that they have donated something that is potentially dangerous. In most instances, family members are cleaning out a home or garage after a loved one has passed away, and they do not know what an item is.”
“We have policies in place when employees discover an item in donations that is unknown or potentially dangerous, to protect the safety of our employees, participants, and our customers,” said Alexander. “We work closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and properly dispose of items that are dangerous.”