Bomb squad called to Lander’s riverwalk

LANDER (WNE) — A stretch along the Popo Agie River in Lander was closed off to the public for six hours on Wednesday as multiple law enforcement agencies investigated a report of a suspicious package that appeared to be a pipe bomb, but was ultimately determined to be a fake. 

The Lander Police Department was called to the scene at around 9:20 a.m. Wednesday. 

A report of an “unattended package” along the 400 block of Buena Vista prompted the LPD to call in the Sweetwater County Bomb Squad to investigate. 

Pedestrian and vehicle traffic was rerouted for hours as police worked to determine whether the package contained an explosive device. 

The item was wrapped in silver duct tape and black electrical tape, and after careful investigation, was deemed to be a fake. 

The Sweetwater County Bomb Squad eventually disposed of the package. 

LPD Interim Police Chief Kelly Waugh said in a news release that there was no ongoing threat to public safety, and the area was reopened at around 3 p.m. Wednesday. 

“The Lander Police Department appreciates the cooperation of the public and nearby businesses during this incident and reminds everyone to report any suspicious activity or objects immediately,” he said in an updated release Wednesday afternoon. 

This story was published on June 28, 2025.