The Arapahoe Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that a Colorado construction crew unearthed a WWII-era explosive device.
The Arapahoe Sheriff’s Office took to Twitter to announce a historical discovery made by construction workers who stumbled upon a military ordnance during their operations. The location is historically significant as it was once part of the former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range.
On August 19, the Arapahoe County Bomb Squad was called to investigate a military ordnance found by a construction company in the 4600 block of S. Robertsdale Way. The area used to be the former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range. @AuroraPD requested our assistance at the scene… pic.twitter.com/1yezw8rO3u
— Arapahoe Sheriff (@ArapahoeSO) August 20, 2024
This range, encompassing 100 square miles, was operational from 1938 and played a crucial role during World War II, according to Fox News. It served as a training ground for military armaments, involving both practice and high-explosive bombs. The range continued to be used for various training exercises with inert and live munitions until 1963, according to the Omaha District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (RELATED: Video Shows Decorated US Warship Used In Tom Hanks Movie Docked For Restoration)
Upon arrival, bomb technicians utilized an X-ray device to carefully examine the discovered object. Their investigation concluded the item was an inert cast-iron miniature bomb, specifically identified as a World War II Mark 23 Mod 1 training round, the Arapahoe Sheriff’s Office stated. After confirming the device’s inert nature, it was handed over to the Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora for further handling.