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Suspicious device found near a former church in Stuart deemed inert

News

April 25th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

The Stuart Police Department reports a suspicious device found Tuesday near what was formally the historic All Saints Catholic Church on North Fremont Street in Stuart, was inert, and while apparently intended to instill fear, was in fact, a hoax. Officers responded to what’s now known as the “Saints Center” for cultural and the arts, after receiving reports of a suspicious device that had been found near the front door.

The incident was investigated by Stuart Police with the assistance of members from the Iowa State Fire Marshall Office. Officials say the suspicious device was secured and transported to a remote location where Stuart officers and State Fire Marshall members took actions to render the device safe. It is being sent to the Iowa DCI crime laboratory for further testing and evidence collection.

Due to the history of arson at the Saints Center and recent attacks in Boston, the Stuart Police Department is treating the event as a serious incident, and officials say charges will be filed if a suspect is found.