Live WWII Artillery Shell Turns Up During Gloucester Garage Cleanup: Cops

GLOUCESTER, MA — A Gloucester resident found a live World War II artillery shell while cleaning out his garage Wednesday morning, police said.

Gloucester police responded to the garage on Marble Road near Mount Pleasant Avenue after the resident discovered old ammunition, including the 75 mm shell, about 11 a.m., the Gloucester Police Department said in a media release.

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"The Gloucester Fire Department and the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad were notified and responded to the scene," the release said. "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 assisted by clearing the area around the detonation site, according to the release.

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Gloucester Police Chief Edward Conley commended the resident for having the presence of mind to call the police after finding the shell.

"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," Conley said in the release.

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"It could have ended differently if they had tried to dispose of it on their own," he said. "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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