What looked like a stash of old war relics had deputies at a Westlake Village home on Wednesday, after someone spotted what appeared to be historic military munitions and did the smart thing: they called it in.
Deputies from the Malibu/Lost Hills station responded to the residence and brought in the department's arson and explosives unit to check out the suspicious items. Officials say the objects were recovered safely and the scene was declared secure. Photos shared by the station show the recovered materials and come with a blunt reminder that suspected ordnance is hazardous and not a DIY project.
Arson and explosives unit assessed, items recovered
According to a post from the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station, deputies were sent to a Westlake Village residence after a report of possible historic military ordnance. The station said its arson and explosives unit assessed the items, recovered them safely and declared the scene safe. The post also urged anyone who encounters suspected munitions to contact local law enforcement rather than handling the items themselves.
Officials repeat 'do not touch' guidance
The station's warning to not touch or move suspected ordnance and to call authorities lines up with federal safety messaging known as the "3Rs" (Recognize, Retreat, Report). The Department of Defense's 3Rs Explosives Safety Education Program advises people to leave the area at a safe distance and report what they saw to emergency services.
Not an isolated event in recent weeks
Finds like this have triggered multiple bomb squad responses across Los Angeles County in recent weeks. The Los Angeles Times reported that a Valley Glen homeowner found 20 sticks of live dynamite in a freezer on June 3, and ABC7 Los Angeles covered a June 12 evacuation in Compton after deputies were called about a possible explosive device. Together, those incidents highlight how dangerous mishandled munitions can be and why specialist units are called in to secure scenes.
How to report suspicious munitions
If you find something that looks like a shell, grenade or other unexploded ordnance, move away immediately, keep others back and call 911. For non-emergencies or local questions, contact the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station; station information is available on the department website and the station lists its non-emergency number for the area as (818) 878-1808.
