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In a dramatic turn of events, the FBI has been called to The Villages in Florida following the discovery of stolen military explosives. This alarming find led to the swift evacuation of residents, though thankfully, no injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.
The situation unfolded when the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office received a call around 11:07 a.m. on Tuesday, alerting them to what seemed to be explosive military devices found within a residential property. Responding to this potentially dangerous situation, deputies prioritized the safety of the community by evacuating nearby residents as a precautionary measure.
To manage the threat posed by the explosives, the sheriff’s office enlisted the expertise of Lake County’s bomb squad. Upon investigation, the explosives were confirmed to have been illicitly obtained from military sources. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of law enforcement, the hazardous materials were safely removed from the area.
With the immediate danger neutralized, the FBI has assumed control of the ongoing investigation. This development underscores the gravity of the situation and highlights the need for thorough scrutiny to trace the origins and intended use of the stolen military ordnance.
Residents of the affected neighborhood in The Villages can now breathe a sigh of relief as authorities continue to handle the situation with the utmost seriousness. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the swift action of law enforcement in ensuring public safety.
“We want to thank Lake County for their quick response,” the sheriff’s office said on Facebook.
Law enforcement officers responded to a residential neighborhood in The Villages in Florida after stolen military explosives were discovered, prompting evacuations and an investigation. (WOFL)
In its initial announcement of a law enforcement presence in the area, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said the evacuations in the surrounding area were done “out of an abundance of caution.”
While The Villages spans three Florida counties, this incident took place at a residence in the Village of Rio Ranchero, located in the Sumter County portion of the community near Spanish Springs.
The FBI has taken over the investigation at The Villages. (Getty Images)
Fox News Digital reached out to the FBI’s Jacksonville field office for comment.