Police identify fake bomb as prop in boys’ war game

Staff report

NILES

Police have learned that the fake bomb found in Kennedy Park on Monday was actually a prop used by boys on Sunday as part of their “Airsoft War” game.

A Howland woman contacted Niles police Tuesday to say that the “bomb” found by residents walking their dog and then referred to the Youngstown Bomb Squad was a prop the 10 to 12 boys apparently left behind by accident.

The boys dress in camouflage, divide into teams and have fake bombs and toy hand grenades. The teams compete to capture their opponents’ fake weapons, the woman said.

The weather was cold and rainy on Sunday, and the boys apparently left behind the fake bomb in their haste to leave, the woman told police.

The woman described the fake bombs in great detail and identified the bomb police found at the park as being one of the props the boys were using.

The Niles prosecutor advised police that there was no criminal intent, and no criminal charges would be filed against anyone, Niles police said.