Suspicious package found in Heardmont Park

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Shelby County Sheriff's deputies reported to the scene of a suspicious package at Heardmont Park Sports Complex off of Cahaba Valley Road this morning. Hoover Police's Explosives Ordinance and Demolition team responded to the scene along with the Pelham Police Department and the FBI's Terrorist Task Force.

Shelby County Sheriff's deputies got a call from a person who discovered a suspicious package in the park Sunday morning.  Fox6 talked with the neighbor who made the initial call to authorities.  He told FOX6's Karen Church that around 7 a.m. this morning he saw what looked like a christmas package wrapped with duct tape.  Upon closer inspection he spotted what appeared to be a cellphone attached to the side of the box.  That is when he notified park officials.

Officials tell FOX6 someone attached cylinders together with a device that appeared to be a detonator. Sheriff Chris Curry says he feels it was made to be seen.

Hoover Police Department's explosives ordinance and demolition team detonated the device with a water cannon attached to a robot. After inspection it was determined the device contained no explosives and appears to be a hoax. No one was injured in the incident and the park is now open for visitors.

Sheriff Curry told us he wants to find out who is responsible for this hoax because it cost all the agencies involved a lot of manpower, time, and money. He is asking for the public's help in finding the person responsible. Contact the Shelby County Sheriff's Office at (205)669-4181 or their secret witness line at (205)669-9116 if you have any information.

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