Grenade Found Inside Richland Home Prompts Bomb Squad Response

The device was discovered by a resident while cleaning out a relative's home.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:50pm

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A grenade was found inside a Richland, Washington home on Saturday, prompting the local police department's bomb squad to respond and safely remove the device. The grenade was located in a drawer and later moved to the front yard, leading authorities to establish a safety perimeter around the residence until the bomb squad could evaluate and secure the item.

Why it matters

While unusual, calls about suspicious or potentially dangerous items found in homes are not uncommon, as family members sometimes discover military or other questionable items while cleaning out a relative's residence. Proper safety protocols must be followed in these situations to avoid any risks to public safety.

The details

The Richland Police Department (RPD) was called to the 1000 block of Smith Avenue around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday after the caller and her mother found the grenade while cleaning out their relative's house. The grenade was located inside a drawer and later moved to the front yard. RPD established a safety perimeter around the residence and awaited the arrival of the bomb squad, who evaluated the device and ensured it was safe before removing it from the scene.

  • On Saturday, March 16, 2026 around 1:30 p.m., the Richland Police Department was called to the home.

The players

Richland Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the call about the grenade and coordinated with the bomb squad to safely remove the device.

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What they’re saying

“While it may seem unusual, calls like this are not uncommon. Often, family members discover military items or suspicious items while cleaning out homes. Occasionally, these items are found in places where people would never expect them.”

— Richland Police Department

“Do not attempt to transport the item to your local police or sheriff's department. If needed, trained personnel, including the RPD Bomb Squad, will respond to assess the situation and ensure everyone's safety.”

— Richland Police Department

What’s next

The Richland Police Department is continuing to investigate the origin of the grenade and how it ended up in the home.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of contacting law enforcement immediately if any potentially dangerous or suspicious items are discovered, rather than attempting to move or transport them, in order to ensure public safety.