Kids picking up trash discover hand grenade

[May 22, 2008]  HUDSON, Wis. (AP) -- Three children picking up trash along a river in Hudson for community service work found much more than garbage. Charlie Thompson, 11, Maddie Roth, 10, and Demetri Roth, 8, came across a hand grenade, picked it up and headed home to show off their discovery.

On their way back Monday, they ran into a neighbor, who immediately called 911. Hudson police cordoned off the block, then determined the grenade wasn't a danger, even though it still had the firing pin inserted. Sgt. Eric Atkinson says the grenade was rusted and contained no powder.

Thompson's mother, Heidi Hansen, says the children wanted to keep the grenade for a souvenir, but police are holding it.

Hansen says the kids plan to write a story about their adventure.

___

Information from: Leader-Telegram, http://www.leadertelegram.com/

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.