By Fox23.com News Staff
LATIMER COUNTY, Okla. — The Latimer County Sheriff’s Office said two military-grade artillery shells were detonated and disposed of on Monday.
According to LCSO, deputies were contacted about two artillery shells by a resident. He said that he’s been in possession of these shells for years and was unsure if he was legally able to own them.
The resident told deputies that one of the shells may have been a live round. Deputies responded to a rural area in Wilburton where the shells were stored and with permission from the property owner, deputies were able to find the shells under a tent.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Bomb Squad arrived on scene to investigate. HP Bomb Squad took pictures of the shells and determined they were military ordnance and contacted the U.S. Army’s 761st Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit from Fort Sill.
Due to the age and state of the shells, the EOD Unit safely detonated the shells on site. They later said the larger of the two shells was a live round which led to a loud explosion to be heard and reported by residents on Tuesday.
No additional explosive materials were found, and the responding agencies determined this to be an isolated incident.
There was no threat to the public, property damage, or injuries.
LCSO reminded residents that if they encounter any suspected explosive devices or military ordnance to not handle it and instead report it immediately to law enforcement.
