Man arrested after replica of grenade found in car at mall

GREENDALE (WITI) -- Greendale police cordoned off a portion of the parking lot at Southridge Mall on Friday morning, December 6th -- after mall security reported locating a military-style grenade in a vehicle in the parking lot.

Officers were called to the mall just after 9:30 a.m. The parking area on the southwest side of the mall was cordoned off -- and the Milwaukee County Sheriff's EOD unit was called in to inspect the device.

Greendale police say the device was a replica of a grenade. The device was determined to pose no threat -- and was confiscated.

The driver of the vehicle, a 75-year-old West Allis man, was arrested. He will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office for charging.

The parking lot was later reopened. There were no injuries or evacuations.

Mary Mokwa, the General Manager at Southridge Mall, released the following statement:

"In order to maintain a safe shopping environment, Southridge Mall enforces a strict code of conduct which includes prohibiting weapons on property. We’re working closely with the Village of Greendale Police Department as they investigate this incident."



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