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SALEM -- Salem first responders were called to West 12th Street after a resident discovered a potential undetonated ordnance Wednesday.
"They immediately called the bomb squad and were able to send them some photos of it. [The bomb squad] knew what it was and said 'yeah, we'd better come get it'" Police Chief J.T. Panezott said.
The item was reported inside of a garage in the 100 block of West 12th Street at 5:52 p.m. Wednesday, according to a police report. The item, which Panezott said was believed to be a United States Marine Corps 37-millimeter anti-tank round from the World War II era based on the department's research, was taken outside of the garage and photos were sent to the Youngstown Bomb Squad. Panezott said that the bomb squad sent an officer to take possession of the shell and would be overseeing the safe disposal of the item.
"The police and fire personnel that were on scene were the trained professionals they always are and did a great job," Panezott said.
Panezott said that the round had been found while the building was being cleaned and that its origin was unclear. Panezott said that while it wasn't a common occurrence, a similar situation had occurred in the city in the past.
"Someone passes and when the family members are cleaning the house, they find something that they brought home from the military or a war trophy that maybe they shouldn't have," Panezott said.
Panezott said that in the event residents should find something they think might be unexploded ordinance, or anything potentially explosive at all, that they should not touch it, should get away from it and should contact first responders immediately, even if they are unsure. Panezott also thanked the Youngstown Bomb Squad for their assistance, noting that they have partnered with the department for many investigations over the years.