Columbus bomb squad conducts controlled disposal after military-grade artillery shells discovered in Knox County, Ohio

What happened

Hazardous-device technicians from the Columbus-area bomb squad conducted a controlled disposal operation after military-grade ammunition was discovered in Knox County, Ohio. Authorities described the items as old military artillery shells and treated them as potentially live ordnance until specialists could secure and remove them.

The discovery prompted a multi-agency response focused on isolating the area, assessing the condition of the munitions, and selecting a disposal method designed to minimize risk to the public and first responders.

Where the ammunition was found and how it was handled

Officials said the cache was located on North Sandusky Street in Knox County. Explosive ordnance specialists assisted local law enforcement with the removal, and a planned detonation was carried out as part of the disposal process. The operation included moving the shells from the discovery site to a designated area used for controlled explosions, with detonations reported at a gravel pit on Millersburg Road near Brinkhaven, Ohio.

Separately, public safety officials in central Ohio indicated that some of the recovered shells were handled on site in Knox County while others were taken to a controlled environment in Columbus for additional handling before disposal. The differing descriptions reflect how munitions responses can involve more than one secure location, depending on the condition of each item and the equipment required.

Why “controlled disposal” is used

In bomb-squad operations, “controlled disposal” typically refers to a deliberate process of rendering explosive materials safe—often through controlled detonation—when transport, disassembly, or long-term storage would increase risk. Older military munitions can be unstable due to corrosion, degraded explosives, or damaged fuzes, meaning standard handling can be hazardous even when the items appear intact.

When ordnance is discovered by civilians, authorities generally emphasize that members of the public should not touch, move, or attempt to open suspected munitions. The safest course is to leave the item in place, clear the area, and notify law enforcement so trained technicians can evaluate it.

Community impact and public safety messaging

Residents in and around the disposal area reported hearing loud booms consistent with a planned detonation. Officials said the explosions were planned and controlled and that there was no ongoing threat to the public once the items were secured and the disposal operation completed.

What to do if you find suspected ordnance

• Do not touch, move, or attempt to examine the object closely.
• Move away and keep others back; avoid using radios or phones immediately next to a suspicious item.
• Call 911 and provide the location and a description from a safe distance.

Authorities emphasized that suspected unexploded ordnance should be treated as live until evaluated by trained technicians.

No injuries were reported in connection with the discovery or disposal operation.