Police and explosives experts responded after workers renovating a Tacoma home discovered two inert armor-piercing tank shells from World War II.
TACOMA, Wash. — An unusual discovery emerged this week at a home renovation project in Tacoma when workers discovered two World War II-era armor-piercing projectiles, prompting a response from the Tacoma Police Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit.
according to Tacoma PoliceOn June 3, police were called after suspicious items were found at a home that was being renovated. Patrol officers responded and requested assistance from the department’s explosive ordnance disposal team to determine if the item posed a threat.
EOD technicians examined the object and identified it as ordnance, according to Tacoma police. A subsequent search of the property uncovered a second suspicious item.
Tacoma police said further inspection revealed the objects were World War II-era M77 90 mm armor-piercing projectiles. Historically fired from tanks and anti-tank guns, these shells are made entirely of steel and weigh approximately 23.4 pounds each.
Authorities said the bullets did not contain explosives and were determined to be inert rounds.
Although the discovery was not dangerous, Army EOD personnel were asked to keep the military artifacts safe.
Police advise anyone who encounters a suspicious military object not to touch or move it. Instead, they should leave the area and call 911 so trained personnel can evaluate the item and ensure safe handling.
