PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Sunday, July 3, 2022
Issued By: Lieutenant Nick McGowan, Petaluma PD, 707.778.4325
Incident: World War II Explosives Located
Report Number: 22-2718
Occurred Date: July 2, 2022
Occurred Time: 2:00 PM
Location: West Petaluma Residence
Incident Summary
On July 2, 2022, the Petaluma Police Department received a call from a residence on the west side of town reporting a possible explosive located at a deceased family member's home. The concerned family member reported three Japanese grenades, an artillery shell, and approximately six additional munitions.
The Petaluma Police Department responded to the residence to inspect the various munitions and noticed the grenades were not drilled and contained pins preventing the explosive from discharging. The Petaluma Police Officer contacted the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) and requested assistance.
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad arrived and confirmed the grenades and artillery shell were live and considered "highly explosive." Due to the type and volatility of the explosives, the Bomb Squad requested a specialized EOD member from the Travis Air Force Base to respond and take possession of the explosives. At approximately 6:00 PM, the explosives ordinances were removed from the residence and disposed of safely.
It is unknown why the family member possessed the World War II munitions or how they were obtained. No correlation exists between the possession of the explosive ordinances and the cause of death.
The Petaluma Police Department wants to thank the members of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad and the Travis Air Force Base for their assistance with the safe handling and disposal of the explosive ordinances.
Additionally, as we approach the Fourth of July, it is important to remind the community Petaluma has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for all firework use – including fireworks previously considered legal. Property owners will be held responsible for firework activity that occurs on their property and will be cited accordingly, regardless of who possesses or lights the fireworks. Violations are subject to fines of $1,000 or more.
