At about 20 minutes after 1:00pm, on Saturday the 19th of April, the Flint Police communications center received a call to Odette Street in reference to a hand grenade that had been found.

When officers arrived they spoke with a person who told them that they had discovered what they thought to be a hand grenade when tilling up their garden and the device was tossed up by the tiller.

The responding officer (who is a military veteran) recognized the device as an old fashioned “pineapple” grenade, a style that has not been in use in the United States for many years. The device was rusty and covered with mud and the officer couldn't determine if it was “live” or a training grenade (which would mean that it had no explosive inside). To be safe, he called out the Flint Police Bomb Squad.

While waiting for the Bomb Squad men to arrive, the initial officer sets up a perimeter, pushing back any by standers to a safe distance. If this is a real grenade, it is lethal for about 5 meters in all directions and can cause injury even further than that.

When the Bomb Squad arrived they began their examination of the device. Now, this is a process. At this point, no one knows if this is a dangerous, high explosive device or just a hunk of metal designed to simulate a grenade for training. No one knows if this old thing is a dud or a sensitive, hair triggered killing device. The two men of the Bomb Squad have to make “the long walk” to examine and render safe the object. This can’t be done by remote control; it takes a human with a pair of hands, two eyes, a brain and a ton of training to decide what they have and how to make the situation safe.

It also takes a lot of courage.

The fact that the grenade had been tossed up by a roto-tiller does not mean that it will take even the slightest further handling. Being tossed up by the tiller may mean that the device is inert or the “toss” may have destabilized the ancient grenade just enough to cause the next touch to set it off in the hand of the technician. No on knows and yet the Bomb Squad men still have to deal with it.

At 2:06 pm an ambulance and a paramedic stage nearby…just in case.

At 3:35 pm: The device is rendered safe by the Bomb Squad men. Now they have to turn their attention to a detailed search of the surrounding area, if there was one device there may be more. The Bomb Squad men search using metal detectors; they have to dig at each alert.

Care and attention to detail are the hallmarks of the Bomb Squad. The personnel assigned are volunteers from the ranks of the Flint Police Department while you seldom hear about their activities. They are (in addition to their regular duties) on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year. They handle numerous calls each year with little notice from outside of the Police Department.

Today was just another day at work for them.

Good job to the men of the Flint Police Bomb Squad.

Tips are needed! Call 1-800-773-2587 ANONYMOUSLY!! Every family affected by a violent act needs answers to help them understand what happened to their loved one and why. Information that helps lead to an arrest in the murder of Pablo Lopez is worth up to $6,500. Help this family find justice for their loved one. If you have information on this case please call Crime Stoppers at (800) SPEAK UP, that's (800) 773-2587. Thank you.

On 4/17/14, Flint Police Officers responded to the area of Ruth Ave and M.L. King reference a stabbing. Upon arrival, Officers located a victim with multiple stab wounds. The victim was in serious condition.  Officers gathered suspect information and checked the area. With the assistance of the Genesee County Sheriff's Department and ATF Task Force, the suspect was located and arrested in an abandoned house nearby. Great job to all involved.

Aaron Ivory (19) is wanted in connection with the Murder of Lance Pavlow in Mt. Morris Township on December 2, 2013. Mr. Pavlow was shot in the parking lot of the Beecher Beer & Wine Store. Aaron Ivory is considered dangerous if you see him, do not approach and call 911. If you have information on his whereabouts please call the Mt. Morris Township Police Dept or Crime Stoppers at 1(800) SPEAK UP that's 1(800)773-2587. There is a reward up to $ 5,000 for information leading to his arrest through Crime Stoppers.

Yesterday, April 15, 2014 at Circuit Court, Antonio Watikins was sentenced to 50 years to 75 years for 2nd degree Murder for the August 30, 2011 homicide of Shunta Newman at the Marathon Gas Station located in Flint, MI, which was investigated by the Flint Police Department. Watkins was also convicted and sentenced to 4 years to 7.5 years for carrying a concealed weapon, 4 years to 7.5 years for felon in possession of a firearm and two years for committing a felony while in possession of a firearm.

On Monday, April 7th, Officer Choylonda Brown was dispatched to a home on Flint’s west side regarding a possible attempt suicide. Officer Brown arrived at the house in time to observe the subject inside attempting to hang themselves using a heavy extension cord and a step ladder. Officer Brown entered the home and grabbed the victim’s legs, lifting him up and holding him aloft, while the man struggled, kicked and fought her in an effort to end his life. Officer Brown was able to get the victim aloft for almost two minutes until two more officers arrived and helped her secure the victim. The victim was transported to a local hospital, and it was learned that he had a history of emotional problems and depression. There is no doubt that the victim would have succeeded in his attempt if not for the timely and heroic efforts of Officer Choylonda Brown!

Charges have been issued against Mercedes Huddleston (21) for Homicide – 1st Degree Murder, for the death of Javonte McDonald (21) on Thursday, April 10 in the 2200 block of Mackin Rd. Huddleston is in custody and was arraigned today on this charge.