Update: Explosive device found outside Meridian Park Elementary school

Update, May 17. Shoreline Police say that the device found was a package about the size of a tennis ball. It did have materials in it which could explode, but it would need a fuse and the fuse would have to be lit. The bomb squad was called to the scene and they disposed of the device with no difficulty.

SAN has queried the Sheriff's department and will publish any additional information received.

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Original story:

Notice from Shoreline Schools sent to Meridian Park / Room Nine parents on Wednesday, May 12:

Yesterday evening, around 6 pm, a neighbor notified some Meridian Park staff members about a suspicious object found on the track near the Children’s Center. (The building just south of Meridian Park which is at N 175th and Meridian Ave N). The police were immediately called and they handled the situation with professional expertise. The object ended up being a small explosive device about the size of a tennis ball and wrapped in duct tape. The bomb unit came out and disposed of it. Fortunately, no one got hurt and there are no suspects at this time.

We have notified our entire staff about this occurrence as well as the before and after care staff. The central office has also sent out a district-wide message to the other schools in Shoreline. Here is where your part comes into play. It is important that you remind your children about what to do if they see anything that looks suspicious. Please review with them the protocol to follow. That is, if they see something unusual or odd, please remind them to do the following - do not touch it or pick it up, move away from it and immediately report it to our office asap (or call 911 if after school hours).

Our teachers made a simple statement to the students today in class about the steps to take if they see something suspicious. We did not go into great detail as we are do not wish to heighten their anxiety or add worry to their day. Our goal is to simply educate them on the protocol for safety and remind them of how they can be aware of issues like these.

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