A suspicious package received by a Hamilton County resident was determined to be a false alarm. The person who received the package brought it to the sheriff’s office, which consulted with the Webster City Fire Department, a hazardous materials team from Fort Dodge, and the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s office during the investigation.

Ultimately, the package was opened, and it was determined to be a prank. It contained a spring inside that was intended to launch the contents at the person who opened it. The sheriff’s office said that while this instance ended up being a false alarm, people should still report any suspicious packages they receive.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.