Members of Northumberland OPP were a bit surprised on Friday, November 12, 2021 when a live mortar round was brought to the detachment in Brighton.
Northumberland OPP Sgt. Kelly Mason said on Friday afternoon a local resident attended the Brighton OPP Detachment on Dundas Street after wanting to turn in what appeared to be a live mortar round.
“He had located the a historical explosive device and had made the decision to pick the device up and transport it to our detachment in an effort to dispose of it,” said Mason.
“As admirable as his intentions were, unfortunately what he did was, he brought the danger to the detachment.”
Officers checked with members of the Tactics Response Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police and the military at CFB Trenton. As a result the device was left in the vehicle, the parking lot was shut down and safety measures were taken for the people in the vicinity including the driver of the vehicle.
“It definitely was a historical device that would was from what appears to be a World War II era.”
Mason reiterates that if any members of the public come across anything that may appear explosive, old firearms or ammunition to call police. Do not bring firearms, or explosive to the police station.
“We’re quite happy to come to you and take care of things at the location.”
The explosives unit arrived at the OPP Detachment, safely removed the device from the vehicle and will dispose of it properly.
Northumberland OPP Release
INDIVIDUAL ARRIVES AT OPP DETACHMENT WITH
WORLD WAR II ERA MUNITION
(MUNICIPALITY OF BRIGHTON, ON) – Members from the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to inform the public on what to do if they find or locate what they believe to be piece of military grade equipment such as flares, military ordnance or explosive devices.
On February 12, 2021, a citizen transported a World War II era mortar round to the Brighton OPP Detachment that was found while doing revovations. Police closed off the entrances to the detachment in order to contain the area. The Canadian Armed Forces were contacted who then attended to remove the device.
If you find military ordnance or explosive devices please DO NOT TOUCH IT or transport it. These devices still pose a risk of detonation and can be highly unstable. Remove yourself from the location and contact your local police agency.
The OPP and the Canadian Armed Forces have trained experts who will attend the location of the device and decide the safest method for its removal and disposal.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
