GLOUCESTER — On Wednesday, Sept. 17, at about 11 a.m., Gloucester police were dispatched to 6 Marble Road after a resident reported finding old ammunition while cleaning their garage.
According to a statement from Gloucester’s Police Chief Edward Conley, 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,” Chief Conley 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 also assisted by clearing debris and vegetation from the area surrounding the detonation site.
Chief Conley stated that the public was never in any danger at any point during the incident.
“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,” Chief Conley said. “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.”
