Police: Live Cannonball Found In Cape May County Yard

LOWER TOWNSHIP, N.J., (CBS) – Police say a live cannonball was discovered in a yard in Cape May County this weekend.

On Saturday, Lower Township Police say officers responded to the 200 block of West Bates Avenue in the Villas section of the township.

According to police, a person unearthed the cannonball while digging in their yard and immediately notified the police.  Police say the device was described as being approximately 5 inches in circumference with a brass cap on it, and was stamped, "4k, 85mm".

Authorities say the Atlantic City Police Bomb Squad responded to the scene. Upon arriving and taking an x-ray of the cannonball, police say the bomb squad determined that it was in fact actively explosive.

The cannonball was removed and transported by the bomb squad to be detonated in an unpopulated area, according to police.

Although cannonballs are not an everyday find, the Lower Township Police Department reminds residents that the discovery of artillery shells is not uncommon in this area.  Police say they should not be touched or moved.  Artillery should be left in place for appropriately trained and equipped authorities to assess and remove, according to police.