Live WWII Grenades Found at Estate Sale in Texas

This week, Texas police took swift action after a resident unknowingly purchased live World War II-era grenades at an estate sale.

The Austin Police Association shared a picture showcasing the grenades and the police’s response to the situation. According to reports, an individual bought several boxes and discovered the grenades inside one of them. The bomb squad confirmed that these grenades were indeed “live and active.”

“A huge thank you to our patrol officers who quickly secured the area, established a perimeter, and ensured the safety of nearby residents while awaiting EOD [explosive ordnance disposal],” the Austin Police Association mentioned on social media.

“Also, a big shoutout to our APD [Austin Police Department] Bomb Squad. These professionals possess a level of training, skill, and calmness that’s rarely seen. Dealing with 80-year-old explosives whose stability is uncertain is inherently risky, but they handle it all with the expertise that the city relies on. The devices were safely retrieved and disposed of,” the post highlighted, stressing that no crime had occurred in this instance.

“If you find any old military ordnance (like grenades, shells, or mortar rounds), even if you believe it’s harmless, please don’t touch or move it—just call 911. Leave it to the experts,” they urged. “We’re proud of the men and women who responded to this situation.”

In total, six grenades were located by the authorities.

“Bomb Squad personnel examined the devices, including conducting an X-ray,” a public information officer from the Austin Police Department noted. “Their analysis of the X-ray images indicated that the grenades appeared to be live and were treated as such.”

“Subsequently, Bomb Squad members executed render-safe procedures to mitigate any potential risks,” they added.

This incident isn’t the first of its kind. Last year, police dealt with a similar situation in Palatka, Florida, when a live grenade was discovered in a donation bin at a Goodwill. Thankfully, the grenade wasn’t placed for sale, and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad managed its removal and detonation.

“We want to remind the public to check all donated items thoroughly to prevent hazardous materials, like explosives, guns, or ammunition, from being inadvertently included,” the Palatka Police Department stated following that event.