Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On April 12, 2023, at about 11:08 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team was dispatched to Centerville Beach for the report of a suspected military ordnance found by beachgoers.

According to the reporting party, a group of beachgoers were utilizing metal detectors at the beach when they found the ordnance buried in the sand. Upon realizing the potential of this object being a live explosive, the group immediately contacted law enforcement.

EOD deputies arrived at the beach and inspected the object. It was determined to be a live antique military-grade artillery round. Deputies rendered the ordnance safe, and no one was injured.

There is no perceived elevated threat to the community. Antique military ordnances are commonly found in Humboldt County due to heavy civil defense/military activity in the area during the early 20^th century. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the community that if you see something suspicious or out of place in your neighborhood, do not touch or move it, but contact your local law enforcement.