On December 11, 2019

VSP find bomb at Rochester Elementary School

The Vermont State Police bomb squad arrived at Rochester Elementary School around noon Thursday, Dec. 5 after a child brought what looked like a hand grenade to class.

Explosives technicians later determined the device was an inert training grenade that wouldn’t have exploded.

Sgt. Eric Hudson said the device was brought to school by an 11-year-old. Staff members at the school were made aware of it by another student. The principal called police shortly before noon.

“We did not take any chances that it was an inert grenade even though we had adult knowledge that this was just a paperweight that sat on a desk,” Hudson said.

Staff members immediately removed the device from the building and placed it on the edge of a walkway outside while students in the school were moved to a different section of the building.

Hudson wasn’t sure why the student brought the grenade to school.

Police aren’t filing charges due to the age of the student.  The incident is being handled internally by school officials.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Superstar Six-Pack construction hits new phase as helicopters fly in concrete

July 3, 2025
KILLINGTON — Construction of the new Superstar six-pack chairlift has reached an exciting phase this summer, with helicopters now flying in concrete for the tower and terminal footings. On Wednesday, July 1, a helicopter was seen flying to Killington Resort with a payload of concrete. Killington Resort is replacing its iconic Superstar Express quad with…

Local road construction plans for 4th of July week

July 2, 2025
The following is a weekly report that lists its planned construction activities that will affect traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont for the week of June 30. Most construction projects will pause work for the 4th of July `Local roads in Rutland and Windsor County, include:     I-89 Royalton Construction continues Monday through…

Ribbon cuttings in Ludlow and Proctorsville highlight local business growth

July 2, 2025
A pair of ribbon cuttings on June 20 held by the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC) marked a day of celebration for two local businesses and offered a boost of momentum to the region’s small business economy. In Ludlow, Aubuchon ACE Hardware unveiled its newly renovated store on Main Street with a grand…

Cirque Series celebrates successful Killington debut

July 2, 2025
By Polly Mikula The Cirque Series broke trail in New England with two new races. On June 7, runners raced up Cannon Mountain in Franconia, New Hampshire and this past Saturday, June 28, they tackled “The Beast of the East,” Killington Mountain. Cirque is also adding Crystal Mountain, Washington, to its national lineup of eight…