Midland Police Department officers were dispatched at about 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday to South Marshall Street after a report of a possible explosive ordnance. The call prompted a rapid response from the department’s bomb squad, which arrived on scene within minutes.

Evacuation and safety measures

Police quickly notified residents in the immediate vicinity and ordered an evacuation to a safe distance while the device was examined. The department emphasized that public safety remained the top priority and that no injuries were reported during the evacuation.

Technical assessment

Bomb technicians employed portable X‑ray equipment to scan the object, which appeared to be a 60‑millimeter mortar. The imaging revealed that the unit lacked any explosive charge. According to the department, the item was identified as a training device used for practice drills, not a live munition.

Why the device was mistaken for a bomb

Training devices often mimic the size and shape of real ordnance to give first‑responders realistic practice in detection and disposal. In this case, the visual similarity to a mortar led a concerned citizen to alert authorities, prompting the precautionary response.

Department statement

Midland Police Chief Mike H. Smith praised the swift coordination between patrol officers and the bomb squad, stating, “Our teams acted quickly and responsibly, ensuring the safety of our neighbors while confirming the device posed no threat.” He added that the department will continue to educate the public on recognizing legitimate threats versus training equipment.

Community reassurance

Local residents expressed relief after learning the device was harmless. “I was scared at first, but the police handled it professionally and kept us informed,” said Sarah Martinez, a homeowner a few blocks away. The department encouraged anyone who observes suspicious items to report them immediately, reinforcing the community’s role in maintaining safety.

Ongoing public‑safety efforts

The incident underscores Midland’s commitment to robust public‑safety protocols. The police department regularly conducts joint exercises with fire‑rescue and emergency‑management agencies to prepare for a range of scenarios, from natural disasters to potential threats.

Authorities will retain the training device for further analysis and training purposes. No further action is required from the public at this time.

Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.