Bomb Squad Destroys Five WWII Grenades
A resident found five live World War II-era grenades inside boxes bought at an Austin estate sale.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Emergency Response
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Austin Police Department officers secured the scene and established a perimeter after a resident discovered five live grenades in boxes purchased at an estate sale. The APD Bomb Squad recovered and destroyed the grenades, which appeared to be about 80 years old.
Why it matters
The buyer recognized the potential danger and contacted authorities, leading to the safe removal of live explosives from a residential setting. The discovery highlights the risks posed by old military ordnance that can turn up in household belongings.
The APD Bomb Squad recovered five grenades that were confirmed live and active, with the squad handling roughly 150 to 175 call-outs annually. The origin of the grenades and their prior history remain unknown.
The players
Austin Police Department Bomb Squad
The specialized unit of the Austin Police Department that handles explosive devices and ordnance across the city and surrounding region.
Sgt. Issa Kafena
The sergeant who supervises the APD Bomb Squad.
The details
After buying boxes at an estate sale, the resident went through the contents and found what appeared to be World War II-era grenades. Officers secured the scene and waited for explosives specialists, who recovered and destroyed the five devices.
Timeline
Earlier in October: The Austin Police Association announced the grenade discovery.
Last fall: A father and son found more than 150 WWII artillery shells in a Czech forest.
Seasonal Patterns
The Austin Police Department Bomb Squad handles roughly 150 to 175 call-outs annually across an 8,400-square-mile, 10-county capital area region. This recovery of five WWII-era grenades is one of many such deployments the unit handles each year.
Residents who find old military munitions should keep their distance, avoid handling the items, and contact police immediately for a bomb squad response. Officers secure the scene and establish a perimeter until explosives specialists arrive.
The takeaway
Old military ordnance can surface in ordinary estate purchases, and the safest response is to stop, step back, and call police. Buyers who spot suspicious items should not attempt to move or open them.
Further reading
For more on how local crews handle these situations, see Emergency Response coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 930 WFMD Free Talk.
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Should estate sale buyers always inspect purchases for hidden dangerous items before taking them home?
