A military projectile discovered in the basement of a local business was safely detonated off-site after prompting evacuations Thursday morning, according to the Tiverton Police Department.
Police and fire personnel responded to 2490 Main Road at approximately 8:32 a.m. Thursday following a report of a potential explosive device in the basement of the business, police said in a press release.
Upon arrival, personnel observed the suspected device, which was later identified as a military projectile, according to the release. As a precautionary measure, nearby residents and businesses were safely evacuated.
The Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Explosives Operations Division was requested to the scene, along with the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit from Newport, police said.
Specialists from the EOD units X-rayed the projectile and conducted further examination but were unable to determine if the item was inert, according to the press release. As a precautionary measure, the projectile was safely removed from the business and transported to an off-site location, where it was successfully detonated without further incident.
No injuries were reported as a result of this incident, police said. The Tiverton Police Department said it does not anticipate criminal charges being filed.
The incident marked the second explosive device discovery in Tiverton this week, according to a Facebook post by the Tiverton Fire Department. Police noted the incident was not related to the separate explosive device investigation that occurred on Sept. 17 on Riverside Drive.
The Tiverton Police Department said it extends its appreciation to local residents and businesses for their cooperation during the evacuation, and acknowledges the assistance of the Tiverton Fire Department, the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office and the U.S. Navy EOD Unit.