FOUR OAKS – The NC State Bureau of Investigation (NC SBI) Bomb Squad and Air Force Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) personnel responded to the State Highway Patrol District Office on US Highway 301, Thursday afternoon.
Around 12 Noon, a citizen arrived with a military projectile saying they want to get rid of it. The individual, in his 60’s, said he found the projectile as a child while playing in a field in Michigan. He kept the ordinance all his life, including his move many years ago to Johnston County.
The approximately two foot long artillery shell was placed in a grassy area behind the Highway Patrol station and the area was cordoned off.
The NC SBI Bomb squad initially responded. Later, the Air Force EOD was summoned to assist.
The Four Oaks Fire Department and Johnston County EMS stood by in case of a potential mishap.
Authorities did not evacuate the Highway Patrol or NC DMV office, but citizens were not allowed to stand outside.
The ordinance was x-rayed and determined not to have a fuse. As a precaution the shell was moved to an isolated field in the 1500 block of Thompson Road and detonated.
Thank God nobody was injured or killed. The man needs a dog, not a bomb.