Plumber Finds Munition During Home Remodeling Project

Hope, Arkansas a plumber working underneath the floor near the foundation of an old house on Third Street found more than just rusty pipes. The plumber found a 57mm anti-aircraft shell.

The homeowners called the Sheriff's office who in turn dispatched the Hope Police Department to the house. The 705th Army EOD unit based out of Fort Polk, Louisiana provided technical assistance. The munition item was identified as a 57mm anti-aircraft round with a live fuze. Reportedly, the propellant had been removed from the item.

Authorities suspect that the item originally came from the Southwestern Proving Grounds, which was operational when the house was originally constructed. The house had been vacant for almost 15 years before the current homeowners moved in several years ago. The 57mm round was taken to a nearby field by the bomb disposal team and safely detonated without incident.