Live Shotgun Shells Scattered Across Norwood Play Areas-August 12, 1986

Fire officials have recovered about 30 of 150 live shotgun shells scattered about several play areas in town and continued to warn parents today to tell their children not to touch any of the shells if they find them. Fire Captain Robert Malloy said the shells are red and about three inches long. All of the shells, regardless of their condition, have live primers and could explode if handled roughly, according to Malloy. The shells were originally part of military surplus shotgun flares that were manufactured in 1942.

“They were taken from a garage by three 13-year-old boys who separated the flare portions from the shells and were discovered lighting them by a police officer on Saturday night.” The garage was owned by one of the boys’ parents. The boys, who were not identified, told firefighters that they discarded the shells in various locations, including Father Mac’s Playground, the Winter Street Cemetery, the high school athletic field, the town water tank off Bellview Avenue and in the Lincoln Avenue and Prospect Street area. “We want parents to be aware of the potential danger to their youngsters and to tell them how to recognize the shells and not to touch them,” Malloy said. Anyone who finds one of the shells should contact the Norwood Fire Department at 762-0080.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger