A military-style toy bazooka was found outside a Queens elementary school this morning, forcing the evacuation of panicked students and teachers, police and education officials said.
A passer-by called 911 after spotting the 5-foot-long, camouflage-painted PVC pipe with the words “US Marines” emblazoned on it outside PS 68 in Ridgewood at 7:30 a.m., police said.
The NYPD’s bomb squad quickly responded to the scene on St. Felix Avenue near Seneca Avenue and determined that the harmless device was used to launch model rockets.
Students were allowed to return to class after 30 minutes.
The bazooka was found leaning against a lamppost.