Clay Sheriff's Office: Man arrested for grenade hoax

Clay County Sheriff's Office booking photo of James King from 2005 arrest

ORANGE PARK, Fla. – The Clay County Sheriff's Office says a 39-year-old Orange Park man who claimed to have a grenade was arrested late Friday afternoon.

According to authorities, deputies and a SWAT team responded to 300 College Drive about 3 p.m.

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Clay County Sheriff's Office booking photo of James King from 2005 arrest

About two hours later, James King (pictured in 2005 booking photo) was taken into custody and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office bomb squad was called to examine the device.

College Drive between Jefferson Avenue and Old Jennings Road remained closed for hours as police investigated. The bomb squad determined the device was a fake grenade.

King was arrested and charged with possession of a hoax explosive device, which is a second degree felony.

The Sheriff's Office said King has a prior arrest on suspicion of aggravated assault.

They said he is a former military member.

Investigators were looking to search King's home to see if there are any other devices there.

King will be held in the Clay County jail awaiting his first appearance before a judge Saturday morning.


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Scott is a multi-Emmy Award Winning Anchor and Reporter, who also hosts the “Going Ringside With The Local Station” Podcast. Scott has been a journalist for 25 years, covering stories including six presidential elections, multiple space shuttle launches and dozens of high-profile murder trials.

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