Claymore Mine Replica Found In Charlotte Prompts Police Response

CHARLOTTE, NC — A life-size Claymore mine replica found alongside a busy Charlotte thoroughfare prompted a response from police and the fire department Thursday.

"This morning a pedestrian noticed a suspicious item near the side of the road in the 1500 block of Queens Road West," Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said, adding that CMPD and Charlotte Fire Department responded to the location per protocol.

"The item was quickly determined to be a replica of a military explosive device and safely removed," CMPD said.

M18 Claymore mines are a common anti-personnel mine used in combat that are packed with C-4 explosives and steel balls, capable of producing a potential casualty radius of up to about 300 feet.

While the fake mine posed no threat, police praised community tips alerting authorities to its location.

"An observant community is the best partner in preventing the next crime," CMPD said.