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The foot-long
(30-cm-long) weapon was likely tossed as refuse into the Oaks
Bottom Wildlife Refuge, and officials do not expect to find any
more un-detonated bombs in the area, said Portland Police Bureau
spokesman Pete Simpson.
"It's a mortar shell and very old. Not clear how old, but
certainly decades, at least," Simpson said.
The children who found the dull-green, stout torpedo-shaped
explosive carried it about one mile to a local home, at which
point an adult called police.
Police officers evacuated several surrounding homes, according
to a department press release.
Experts with the 142nd Oregon Air National Explosives Ordinance
Disposal Team and a second, local agency, bomb squad worked
together to deactivate the object, which was still potentially
dangerous, the press release said.
It is rare, but old ordinance is occasionally found around
Portland, though usually buried or left underwater, not
discarded above ground in areas where children play, according
to local officials, who said they doubt there are more mortars
at the Oaks Bottom Refuge.
"Community members are asked not to touch or disturb these
items, as they can be very dangerous if moved," the Portland
Police Bureau said in a statement.
(Reporting by Courtney Sherwood in Portland, Oregon; Editing by
Eric M. Johnson and Sandra Maler)
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