Toddler Finds Live Grenade in Front Yard, Brings It Inside to Parents
HARTLINE, Wash. — Authorities say a 3-year-old boy made a shocking discovery this week when he found a live hand grenade in his family’s front yard and carried it inside to show his parents.
Grenade Discovered in Yard
The incident happened Tuesday, September 30, at a home on the 600 block of Willard Street in Hartline, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
After the toddler brought the grenade indoors, his parents immediately called 911 around 6:45 p.m.
Bomb Squad Response
Deputies quickly responded, along with the Washington State Patrol bomb squad. Specialists confirmed the device was a live grenade.
Bomb technicians then carefully removed the device and relocated it to a rural area north of Hartline, where it was safely disposed of.
WWII-Era Weapon
Investigators said the grenade appeared to be the same type used during World War II, adding that it had likely been exposed to the elements for years before being found.
Authorities are unsure how long the device had been buried in the yard or how it ended up there.
A Close Call
Fortunately, no injuries occurred. Officials emphasized the danger of such old military devices, noting similar incidents elsewhere have turned deadly.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office shared the story as a reminder for residents to immediately call police if they encounter suspected explosives, rather than attempting to handle them.
Do you think neighborhoods near old military grounds should be routinely checked for unexploded ordnance? Share your thoughts in the comments on FatCityFeed.com.
