Collier Parkway Explosives Scare: Maker Had ‘Little to No Experience,’ Sheriff Says

LAND O’ LAKES, FL — As the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office continues to search for the person or people responsible for placing a suspicious object near Collier Parkway last week, more details in the case have emerged.

The sheriff’s office said its detectives have followed up with federal agencies involved in the investigation and learned the object was classified as a destructive device because its cylinder contained mortar shells, or fireworks, according to a Thursday email from the sheriff's office.

“It would be harmful if detonated near a person,” the Sept. 15 email said.

The sheriff’s office said the device was not commercially made. Further investigation has been hampered by the fact the device was too wet for testing. Once the device fully dries out, more testing will be performed.

The preliminary investigation concluded the device “appears to have been made by someone with little to no experience/knowledge in explosives,” the email said.

The device in question was found near the intersection of Collier Parkway and Roderick Drive just before 5 p.m. Sept. 7. Deputies called out the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad for assistance with the device. The scare forced the closing of the roadway in both directions for several hours.

As investigators try to determine who is responsible for placing the device near the intersection, Crime Stoppers is asking for tips that may lead to an arrest in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-873-8477. Anonymous tips may also be submitted online at www.crimestopperstb.com or by using the P3 Tips mobile app. Crime Stoppers must be contacted first if a tipster wants to be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000.

No further information about the incident is being released at this time.

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