Suspicious Object Found on Collier Parkway Prompts Reward Offer

LAND O’ LAKES, FL — The discovery of a suspicious object on Collier Parkway just before rush hour Wednesday evening left a section of the road closed to traffic for nearly six hours. Now, Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the object 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 as the roadway was closed in both directions.

“Further investigation revealed the object to be an incendiary/destructive device and appears to be homemade,” Crime Stoppers wrote in an email to media. “The object was able to be secured without anyone getting injured. It is unknown at this time who placed the device near the intersection.”

The sheriff’s office is now investigating the case with assistance from federal agencies, Amy Marinec, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman said.

As investigators trying 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.

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

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