Fake bombs may be in packages sold from Austin supply store, police say

Austin police on Monday warned that fake bombs that are used for federal training purposes may be located in packages people purchased from an East Austin government surplus store.

The devices are not explosive or harmful, but can appear that way, police said.

Police first learned of this issue when they responded Saturday to a report of a suspicious package in Kyle. Austin police and federal agents determined the package was safe and learned that the item was a training device for the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.

The item was inadvertently sold to a private citizen, police said. The mock training devices may have been located in boxes holding crock pots and printers sold at the State Surplus Store, 6506 Bolm Road, Austin police said.

Anyone who bought a crock pot or printer from this store since August should return the item or call 911 to have law enforcement assist, Austin police said Monday.