BREAKING | Tiffin Police Safely Resolve Mailbox Bomb Threat; Fremont Teen Charged

The Tiffin Police Department quickly shut down part of a residential neighborhood Thursday morning after a resident reported a bomb threat involving his mailbox. According to a department press release, the incident began at approximately 7:46 a.m. on April 23, 2026, when a resident in the 100 block of 1st Avenue contacted police about a threatening text message claiming an explosive device had been placed in his mailbox.

Street Closed and Homes Evacuated

Because explosive devices can be designed to detonate when moved, opened, or exposed to pressure changes, officers deliberately avoided opening or disturbing the mailbox. Instead, they immediately closed 1st Avenue between North Washington Street and Vine Street and treated the situation as a live bomb threat. Residents along that portion of the street were evacuated as a precaution while police secured the area and established a safety perimeter.

The Tiffin Fire and Rescue Division responded and staged in a secure area nearby in case firefighting or medical assistance became necessary. City Public Works staff also assisted with traffic control and access to the scene while the investigation was underway.

Bomb Squad Finds No Device

The Toledo Police Bomb Squad was requested and responded to Tiffin to conduct a detailed examination of the mailbox. Using specialized protective equipment and bomb-disposal procedures, a technician carefully inspected and then opened the mailbox. No explosive device was found inside, and the immediate physical danger to the neighborhood was ruled out.

While the bomb squad worked on scene, Tiffin Police detectives launched a parallel investigation to determine who had sent the threatening text.

Juvenile Suspect Identified in Fremont

Detectives traced the origin of the message to a 13-year-old juvenile in Fremont, Ohio. With assistance from the Fremont Police Department, officers located and interviewed the teen. According to the press release, the juvenile admitted to sending the message and claimed it was intended as a joke.

The teen was taken into custody and transported to the Seneca County Youth Center. He is being charged with Inducing Panic, a first-degree misdemeanor, and will be required to appear in Seneca County Juvenile Court.

Police: Threats Will Always Be Taken Seriously

Chief Pauly emphasized that law enforcement must treat any threat involving explosives as credible until it is definitively proven otherwise. Even when a message is later described as a joke, such threats can trigger major emergency responses, disrupt neighborhoods, and put first responders at risk.

Police praised the resident who immediately contacted authorities instead of attempting to open the mailbox or investigate the threat on his own. The department is urging the public to follow the same approach: anyone who receives suspicious or threatening messages—especially those mentioning weapons, explosives, or potential harm—should contact the Tiffin Police Department right away and avoid handling any possibly dangerous object.

Agencies Commended for Response

In his statement, Chief Pauly expressed gratitude to all agencies involved in the incident: the Tiffin Fire and Rescue Division, Tiffin Public Works, the Fremont Police Department, the Toledo Police Bomb Squad, and the officers and detectives of the Tiffin Police Department. He commended their professionalism, coordination, and commitment to keeping the community safe during what could have been a life‑threatening situation.