GLOUCESTER — Chief Edward Conley reports that the Gloucester Police Department recovered a WWII artillery shell from a local garage, which was later safely detonated.
On Wednesday, Sept. 17, at about 11 a.m., Gloucester Police responded to 6 Marble Road after a resident reported finding old ammunition while cleaning their garage.
Officials identified the ammunition as a WWII-era 75-millimeter artillery shell.
The Gloucester Fire Department and the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad were notified and responded to the scene. The shell was taken to the Gloucester Compost Area, located in a wooded area off of Dogtown Road, where the State Police Bomb Squad safely detonated it at about 2 p.m.
The Gloucester Department of Public Works also assisted by clearing the area around the detonation site.
At no time during this incident was there any danger to the public.
“This resident did the right thing by contacting us to handle the ammunition, and we are thankful that because of their decision, we were able to safely resolve the situation,” said Chief Conley. “It could have ended differently if they had tried to dispose of it on their own. If anyone finds something suspicious or unfamiliar on their property, I urge them to contact us so we can ensure it is handled safely.”
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