Bomb Squad Destroys Antique Mortar Found at Downers Grove Garage Sale

The DuPage County Sheriff's Bomb Squad destroyed an antique military mortar round in Downers Grove on Friday morning after a garage sale patron saw it and notified local law enforcement.

Downers Grove police were called to the 6500 block of Fairview Avenue around 9:30 a.m. after an individual hosting a garage sale was told by a patron that an antique round on display could have been a live explosive, according to Lt. Michael Willison.

The resident who was hosting the garage sale was en route to the Downers Grove Police Department when officers responded. Police located the device in the resident's vehicle, confirmed it was a mortar shell and contacted the DuPage County Sheriff's Bomb Squad, Willison said in a press release.

The mortar round was removed from the vehicle and destroyed by the bomb squad, Willison said. Officials determined the round was not a live explosive, but the detonation caused a loud noise that could be heard throughout the surrounding area.

"Area residents were notified of this incident and every precaution was taken to ensure the safety of the public," Willison said.

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