Suspected UXO Leads to Evacuation

Essex, Massachusetts A North Shore public safety building was under a forced evacuation after a resident brought in what was thought to be unexploded mortar shell. According to Essex police and fire, the person meant well when they arrived with what they believed to be a UXO found while metal detecting on their property.

The good intentions resulted in a response from the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad who arrived within an hour to X-rays the device which turned out to be an empty fuel canister. This story is a good reminder to never transport suspected munitions but leave them in place and contact police.