Live WWII Grenades Found in Texas Estate Sale Boxes Prompt Lockdown

An Austin resident who bought several boxes at an estate sale discovered Second World War-era grenades inside on 12 October, prompting a neighborhood lockdown and a response by the Austin Police Department's bomb squad. Local reports put the total at six grenades found in the purchase. KVUE

The buyer found the devices on Monday while rifling through the newly bought boxes. The buyer was identified only as an Austin resident. Patrol officers secured the scene, set up a perimeter and kept neighbors safe while waiting for the bomb disposal team. The Guardian

At least three of the olive-colored devices were identified as Mk 2 anti-personnel fragmentation grenades widely used by U.S. forces in the Second World War. The Mk 2s, often called "pineapple" grenades for their distinctive shape, remained in limited use with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps until the 1960s.

Bomb squad technicians examined the devices with X-rays and determined they were live but did not pose an immediate threat under the circumstances. The Austin Police Association described the grenades as "live and active" in a social media post. The devices were later removed and disarmed, and police said no crime was involved.

The association, which posts on Instagram as @austinpoliceassociation, published its account of the find on 12 October. It advised anyone who finds old military ordnance such as grenades, shells or mortar rounds not to touch or move it and to call 911. It captioned the post: "Not your typical estate sale find." Austin Police Association