Grenade that cleared courthouse was gag gift for new sheriff

BEAVER, Pa. -- A grenade that led authorities to evacuate a Pennsylvania county courthouse was a gag gift intended for the newly elected sheriff.

Instead, Beaver County Sheriff Tony Guy ordered the evacuation as a precaution after the box was X-rayed as part of Wednesday's incoming mail.

Authorities say the sender is friends with the sheriff and had clearly labeled the box with his return address. District Attorney David Lozier says the man was upset that the gift caused such problems and cooperated with investigators.

The grenade was harmless. It was mounted on a plaque with a sign reading, "Complaint department. Take a number." A numbered plastic ticket was attached to the grenade's pin.

The courthouse was evacuated for about 80 minutes.