The sheriff’s division didn’t instantly reply to emailed questions on Sunday evening. Its murder detectives had been investigating the explosion.
Such grenade detonations are extraordinarily uncommon, stated Lt. Col. Robert Leiendecker, an skilled on explosive ordnance disposal and a former commander of the 67th Ordnance Detachment stationed at Fort McNair.
“There are a number of hand grenades on the market in non-public houses, components of collections or warfare souvenirs the household has saved,” Colonel Leiendecker stated. However “a really, very excessive share,” he added, “are completely inert and protected to deal with.”
About 15 years in the past, the colonel stated, it was extra widespread to see households stumbling upon warfare souvenirs like a grenade or some rounds of ammunition whereas cleansing the attics or closets of World Struggle II veterans. In a overwhelming majority of these situations, Colonel Leiendecker stated, the grenades had been inert and authorized to have.
“The very last thing you ever need to do with a grenade is pull the pin till you already know 1,010 % that it’s completely inert,” he stated.