DETROIT – A security guard has been lauded as a hero after subduing a man holding two live, non-combat grenades in a Detroit emergency room Jan. 5.
Security guards at Detroit Receiving Hospital examined the 44-year-old male suspect after he triggered a metal detector, according to police spokesman James Tate. Upon their search, guards found a grenade with the pin out in the man’s hand.
A 30-year-old six-year veteran guard, who asked for his name not to be released for security reasons, tackled the suspect, while other security officers helped to restrain the man. A second grenade was found on the man with the pin still in. The emergency room was then evacuated for 30 minutes.
During the scuffle, the guard tackling the suspect made sure the lever was not pressed down on the grenade. He also broke his ankle and is recovering at home.
The suspect has a military background and a history of mental illness. Tate added that the grenades are commonly used for training and not nearly as dangerous as combat grenades.
The suspect was evaluated at the hospital. After searching his home, police found two grenades and two pipe bombs.
