Geocache package causes bomb scare in Allouez
GANNETT WISCONSIN MEDIA • MARCH 16, 2009

ALLOUEZ — Members of the Brown/Outagamie County Bomb Squad were called to Optimist Park on Sunday morning to investigate a suspicious device that turned out to be part of a high-tech treasure hunt.

Officers were called to the park at the southwest corner of Libal Street and Kalb Avenue around 8:30 a.m. after a resident reported suspicious activity.

The object was rendered safe by deputies and determined to harmless, though the PVC tube — wrapped in camouflaged tape — initially appeared to be a possible bomb.

Sheriff’s deputies determined the tube was used for geocaching, a hobby where people locate hidden containers outdoors and share their experiences online.

“Geocaching is a legitimate activity, unfortunately the way this particular cache was constructed it appeared to be an improvised explosive device,” said Lt. Keith Deneys of the Brown County Sheriff’s Department. “In today’s world climate we don’t have any other choice but to handle it as an improvised explosive device.”

The incident was still under investigation on Sunday afternoon.