COLUMBUS — A routine afternoon of yard work took a dangerous turn Saturday after a resident discovered a possible hand grenade while mowing their lawn.
The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) responded to the scene on West County Road 650 North (previously reported as West 540 North). As a safety precaution, deputies have closed the roadway between East Street and Depot Street to all traffic.
Sheriff Chris Lane confirmed that the device was found in the grass of a residential property. The Columbus Police Bomb Squad was immediately dispatched to evaluate the device and determine if it is live ordnance or an inert souvenir.
While “war trophies” or old military souvenirs are occasionally found in Indiana homes, law enforcement treats all such discoveries as active threats until cleared by specialists.
“We urge everyone: if you find a grenade, military ordnance, or anything that looks like an explosive, do not touch it or transport it,” the Sheriff’s Office noted in a social media update. “Call 911 immediately and let trained professionals respond.”
It is not uncommon for residents to encounter “pineapple” style grenades (MK2) or “lemon” grenades (M26) in older homes or buried in yards. Even if a device looks rusted or “dead,” the internal chemical components can become highly unstable over decades.
Standard Safety Protocols for Found Explosives:
- Do Not Touch: Movement or friction can trigger old firing pins.
- Maintain Distance: Clear the immediate area and keep pets away.
- Evacuation: Follow police orders to vacate nearby structures if the bomb squad deems it necessary.
The closure of West 650 North lasted for a while until the Bomb Squad secured the device for transport or on-site detonation.
No injuries were reported.
