Goodwill donation sparks bomb scare in Rochester

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM

By Wes Dehne

A suspicious package found at Goodwill in Rochester prompted the response of two explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) teams to the store Monday afternoon.

Police records indicate that the box was wrapped in duct tape with exposed wires. It was reportedly placed in an office safe until officers could arrive and investigate.

Local law enforcement subsequently requested that gas be shut off to the building and EOD teams from the Indiana State Police and Grissom Air Force Base be contacted. Upon their arrival, an explosive detection dog was walked around the package, with no indication given that it was a bomb. Additionally, a portable x-ray system was used to assess its contents.

Once it was determined that there was no threat, the package was opened and found to contain batteries and speaker wires. There was reportedly no clear way to tell when or how it arrived to the store, with Rochester Police Chief Andy Shotts adding that it was found in a large bin of other donated items.

He encourages anyone who comes across a suspicious package to contact police immediately.

"Always be cautious," he said. "Call us, and don't move it. It's better to be safe than sorry."

Following the incident, the store was reopened around 3:30 p.m. – roughly two hours from the initial report.