Austin police responded this week after a resident discovered six live World War II-era grenades inside boxes purchased at a Texas estate sale, prompting a bomb squad operation to secure and remove the dangerous devices.

The Austin Police Association shared details of the incident on social media, explaining that patrol officers quickly secured the scene and established a perimeter to protect nearby residents while waiting for explosive ordnance disposal specialists. The department's bomb squad examined the grenades and determined they posed a potential danger despite being approximately 80 years old.

“Bomb Squad personnel assessed the devices, including X-ray examination,” an Austin Police Department public information officer told the Houston Chronicle. “Based on their interpretation of the X-ray images, the grenades appeared to be live and were treated accordingly.”

Bomb squad personnel subsequently carried out procedures to render the devices safe and eliminate the potential hazards. Authorities confirmed that all six grenades were safely seized and removed. Police also emphasized that the incident did not involve criminal activity.

The Austin Police Association praised the responding officers for their handling of the situation, highlighting the risks associated with examining aging military explosives whose stability may be uncertain.

“Handling 80-year-old explosives with unknown stability is dangerous, precise work, and they do it with the professionalism this city counts on,” the association said in its statement.

Officials also issued a warning to the public about the dangers of discovering old military ordnance in purchased belongings, donated items, or other unexpected locations. Grenades, artillery shells and mortar rounds can remain dangerous decades after they were manufactured, even when they appear damaged, rusted or inactive.

“If you ever come across old military ordnance (grenades, shells, mortar rounds, etc.), even if you think it’s inert, don’t touch it, don’t move it, and call 911,” the Austin Police Association advised.

The incident is not the first time an unsuspecting person or business has encountered a live explosive among secondhand goods. Last year, police responded to a Goodwill location in Palatka, Florida, after employees discovered a live grenade in a donation bin. The explosive was never placed on the sales floor, and the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad removed and detonated it.

Following that incident, the Palatka Police Department urged residents to inspect items before donating them to ensure hazardous materials, including explosives, firearms, and ammunition, are not accidentally included.

The discovery in Austin serves as another reminder that military ordnance can remain hazardous long after its original use. Authorities advise the public to leave suspected explosives untouched and contact emergency services rather than attempting to inspect, transport, or dispose of them independently.