Bomb Squad Safely Removes WWII-Era Artillery Round from Harpswell Home

November 25, 2025 — by Scanner Alerts Media

HARPSWELL, Maine – The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) reports that a military ordnance discovered at a Harpswell residence was safely removed and rendered inert this afternoon.

According to CCSO, deputies responded at approximately 1:45 p.m. for a report of an unexploded military ordnance. Deputies secured the area and requested assistance from the Maine State Police (MSP) Bomb Squad and the Harpswell Fire Department.

Bomb technicians, working with the Maine Air National Guard’s 101st Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, identified the item as a British artillery round dating to the World War II era. The team relocated the round to a safe area. A controlled counter-charge was then performed, after which technicians determined the shell did not contain explosive material.

Authorities emphasized public safety around suspicious ordnance, including historic munitions. MSP reminds anyone who encounters an item that may be an explosive device—or appears to be an old shell or similar military artifact—to avoid handling it. Do not touch, move, or attempt to examine the item. Instead, immediately contact local law enforcement so trained personnel can respond.

No additional information was released.

Credit: Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office; Maine State Police Bomb Squad; Harpswell Fire Department; Maine Air National Guard 101st EOD.