WOODSTOCK, IL — A suspected military-style rocket found lodged in a tree near Woodstock Tuesday morning prompted a response from multiple agencies, including the FBI and a bomb squad, before authorities determined the object was a hobby model rocket.
McHenry County Sheriff's Office deputies were called to the 15300 block of Kishwaukee Valley Road in unincorporated Woodstock at about 8:20 a.m. Nov. 10 after a homeowner spotted the object suspended about 30 feet above the ground, according to the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District.
Firefighters were called to assist deputies a short time later. With authorities initially unable to determine whether the object was a real military device or a replica, a safety perimeter was established around the area.
The Kane County Sheriff's Office Bomb Unit, representatives from the nearby Illinois National Guard Armory and the FBI's Chicago Field Office also responded to help investigate.
Using specialized camera equipment, responders were able to get a closer look at the object and determined it was likely a replica before attempting to remove it, fire officials said.
Shortly before noon, the object was removed from the tree and confirmed to be a hobby model rocket.
"From a distance, this looked like it could be a real military rocket, and we had to take that possibility seriously," said Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Battalion Chief Jeff Lesniak.
"Each agency brought expertise and equipment that helped us assess the situation and work through it safely," Lesniak added. "Although it turned out to be a hobby model, the precautions taken were necessary to protect everyone if it had been a live device."
The incident remains under investigation by the McHenry County Sheriff's Office.
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