Mortar shell from 1950s found on Leamington Road, OPP say

An OPP cruiser pictured in a January 2024 file photo.  (Teghan Beaudette/CBC - image credit)
An OPP cruiser pictured in a January 2024 file photo. (Teghan Beaudette/CBC - image credit)

An explosives disposal unit from Base Borden has determined a mortar shell found on a Leamington road dates back to the 1950s, police said in a statement Tuesday evening.

Police shut down Deer Run Road around 10:30 a.m. after a traffic hazard was reported to police, and after officers attended the scene said they believe it was a mortar shell.

Const. Steven Duguay with the Essex County OPP said Tuesday night the shell dates back to the 1950s and was picked up by the Department of National Defence.

Duguay said he didn't have any further information, but said earlier in the day officers were treating the object as if it could be an active explosive.

Duguay says the experts determination of what the object is and whether it was active will inform the police investigation that follows.