October 1, 2024 – Monterey County Sheriff's Office officials report that the Monterey County Sheriff’s Explosive Ordnance Unit was called out after a High Explosive Anti-Tank Rocket was found in a Salinas home.
On September 28th, about 4:43 P.M., the Salinas Police Department received a call of a possible mortar that was located inside a residence along the 500 block of Capitol Street in Salinas. Multiple residences in the area were evacuated as a precaution.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Explosive Ordnance Unit was called to the scene. Bomb technicians were able to identify the device as a High Explosive Anti-Tank (H.E.A.T.) rocket. After examining the device with highly sophisticated equipment, bomb technicians determined the device contained hazardous characteristics and proceeded to conduct a “render-safe” procedure to dispose of the device.
At about 9:20 P.M., the device was rendered safe and residents in the area were allowed to return to their homes.
The reporting party stated that the previous owner of the residence, who had passed away, was a retired military serviceman who collected military artifacts. As a precaution, the residence was searched, and no other hazardous ordnances were located.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Explosive Ordnance Unit is comprised of multiple bomb technicians and explosive detection canines. All Monterey County Bomb Technicians receive formal explosives training at the FBI Hazardous Devices School at Redstone Army Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama and maintain their standard and training through the FBI and the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board criteria. The Explosive Ordnance Unit is dedicated to enhancing public safety at the scene of any incident involving explosives in Monterey and San Benito Counties or wherever their assistance is needed.
Source & photos: Monterey County Sheriff's Office
