LAKEHURST — A routine cleanup turned into a police response Sunday after what appeared to be explosive military ordnance was discovered in a Lakehurst home, authorities said.
Officers with the Lakehurst Police Department were called to a residence near Rose Street and Maple Street on February 8, after a homeowner reported finding a grenade and an anti-tank round in a basement. Responding officers observed items resembling a hand grenade and a World War II-era anti-tank round marked “1942.”
Chief Matthew Kline told Jersey Shore Online that “out of caution, police requested assistance from the New Jersey State Police Bomb Squad. The Lakehurst Fire Department established a safety perimeter of about 250 feet, prompting the temporary evacuation of residents along portions of Maple Street and Poplar Street.
Investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Unit joined state police specialists to examine the items. Authorities later determined both pieces were inert and posed no danger. The state police took custody of the devices for safe handling.
Residents were notified once the all-clear was given, and the evacuation was lifted without incident.
Police reminded the public to report suspicious items or activity and noted that tips can be submitted anonymously through the department’s website.
