Fake flash grenade found near NYC Marathon finish line prompts increased police presence – NBC New York

On By Karl

Amid increased security ahead of this weekend’s New York City marathon, a suspicious fake or counterfeit device found in Central Park near the finish line sparked a major police response Friday morning, sources with knowledge of the matter told NBC New York. .

The inert device was found shortly after 9 a.m. at a picnic table near West 68th Street and West Dr, near the finish line of the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, according to a source. Police finally said “everything is fine” after 11am

According to the source, out of an abundance of caution, a bomb squad was called to the area to investigate and handle the potential device.

Sources told NBC it was considered a non-functioning fake or counterfeit device, with first responders stressing that it was not a threat.

Sources said the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit was on the scene and had the perimeter surrounded.

Around 50,000 runners are expected to participate in Sunday’s marathon.



Helicopter 4 / NBC New York



Helicopter 4 / NBC New York