On Tuesday, October 12, 2010, a live piece of military ordnance was safely removed from a residence off N.W. Ash Rd.
At approximately 3:45 p.m., Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to 925 N.W. Ash Rd in reference to a potentially live piece of military ordnance. Deputies were able to observe the device in the open yard of the home. Explosive technicians from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office arrived to assist CCSO. ASO Deputies were able to determine that the device was in fact live and identified it as a 2.75in rocket warhead. The device contained a plastic type explosive called Composition B. Deputies believe the device was manufactured in the late 1960’s. The device did not contain any type of electronic fuse and was an impact detonated piece of ordinance. CCSO Deputies cordoned off the area around the device to ensure that no one made incidental contact with it.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office transported the ordnance to a safe location outside of Columbia County for destruction. Deputies are still working to determine where the device originated from. Deputies believe that this was most likely a souvenir brought home by a military veteran. No foul play or suspected terrorist activity is associated with the piece of ordnance.
