Suspected Bomb Outside Church Turns Out To Be Battery Pack: Police

ANTIOCH, IL — Police responded to reports of an explosive device on the sidewalk outside a church in Antioch on Thursday afternoon. But after a thorough investigation, authorities determined the suspected bomb was actually a damaged battery pack, according to a statement from the Antioch Police Department.

Police first received reports regarding the suspicious item at about 4:40 p.m. on Thursday. Callers said they spotted the device outside of St. Peter's Church at 557 Lake Street, according to a post on the Antioch Police Department Facebook page.

"The item appeared concerning due to exposed wires, which understandably caused callers to fear it may have been an explosive device," police said.

Police secured the area and after investigating the issue, determined the item was actually a lithium-ion battery pack, and damage to the case of the pack caused it to have exposed wires, according to a news release.