Imagine driving to a military base with a WWI-era explosive in your car, just hoping someone could ‘take a look’! That’s exactly what happened in Arizona, triggering an hours-long emergency. The good news? Our EOD experts handled it. But seriously, if you find something suspicious, what’s the first thing you should do?
A routine Thursday afternoon outside the Papago Military Installation quickly escalated into an hours-long emergency as a Scottsdale man unexpectedly arrived at the gate with a live World War I-era explosive, seeking assistance. This unusual decision immediately triggered a full-scale military emergency response, highlighting the unpredictable nature of unexploded ordnance and the critical role of specialized military and civilian teams.
Authorities swiftly detained the man, identified only as Jeff, for several hours while the potentially hazardous material was assessed. Phoenix police thoroughly investigated the incident and concluded there was no criminal intent behind his actions, deeming it a genuine misunderstanding. His only aim was to have the mysterious projectile, which he had presumably acquired, examined by military experts.
The discovered device was confirmed by Antonio McCurry, team leader with the 56th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, to be an old 75 millimeter projectile. Such relics from past conflicts, even decades old, can remain highly dangerous and unstable, posing significant risks to public safety if mishandled or improperly stored. The presence of a WWI explosive underscores the long-lasting impact of historical conflicts.
Crews from various agencies, including the 56th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, spent more than seven intensive hours meticulously working to safely remove the projectile from the base perimeter. This intricate operation required precise coordination and adherence to strict safety protocols to ensure the volatile device did not detonate during transport or handling, showcasing the specialized skills required for hazardous material incidents.
Following its careful extraction, the WWI-era explosive was transported to a secure disposal site. There, EOD experts successfully destroyed the projectile using C-4 explosives, neutralizing the threat it posed to the community. This controlled demolition marked the culmination of a tense, prolonged emergency response.
McCurry issued a stern warning to the public regarding similar discoveries: “Do not touch it. Leave it where it is. Call your local police department, and from there they’ll coordinate either getting the bomb squad out to look at it further, and then the bomb squad can reach out to us, and then we can go investigate the item as well.” This advice is crucial for preventing tragic accidents involving unexploded ordnance.
His specialized team at Luke Air Force Base frequently responds to such calls, often on a weekly basis, emphasizing the prevalence of these unexpected finds. Whether discovered in an attic during a cleanout, a garage clear-out, or even surprisingly, in a thrift store, old explosives are a recurring concern that demand expert handling and immediate reporting to authorities.
The incident highlighted the exemplary professionalism and readiness of the 56th Explosive Ordnance Disposal team. Their collaboration with the Phoenix Police Department, Glendale Police Department, and other local partners showcased their commitment to supporting the community in high-stress and hazardous situations, reinforcing the vital role of military EOD in maintaining public safety and responding to dangerous material threats across Arizona.
