Calgary homeowner digs up possible grenade while doing yardwork

The Calgary Police Servicetactical unit responded to the southwest neighbourhood ofLower Mount Royal Saturday, after a homeowner dug up what is believed to be a grenade in his backyard.

Police said the homeowner called in about 3:50 p.m. to report he had found the item buriedin his yard while gardening.

CPS secured the area and created a 100-metre perimeter on the 1900 block of 12th Street S.W.

Neighbour Deb Spicer said she was gardening in the backyard at 4 p.m. when a police officer knocked on the front door and told her she had to immediately evacuate her home.

"No time to get the animals in, they're all out in the backyard. He said we had to leave," Spicer said.

Spicer said she was allowed to return to her home after police removed the object.

The road was reopened around 6:45 p.m.

Police said they don't believe the grenade's discovery is criminal in nature it could possibly have been buried by a previous tenant.

It's not yet known whether the item could be combustible, but police said they will assess it and if deemed necessary will carry out a controlled detonation at a remote location.

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