Bomb Squad Responds To Possible Military Cannonball Discovery In Highland Park

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The discovery of a possibly dangerous military cannonball in the Lake County Forest Preserves prompted a bomb squad response Sunday afternoon, according to the Highland Park Police Department.

Several police personnel from multiple jurisdictions responded to a heavily wooded area of the forest preserve on Sunday after a resident reported finding what looked to be military ordnance wedged between rocks.

The Lake County Forest Preserves District Police, the Highland Park Police Department, the Waukegan Bomb Squad, the US Air Force and Scott Air Force Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit investigated the report. Authorities later confirmed the object was not military ordnance and posed no danger to the public.

"While in this case there fortunately was no risk, it is best to give these experts the opportunity to make that determination. If in the area of Ft. Sheridan, please report items that may be old ordnance to 911 so that they may be properly evaluated and addressed," city officials said in a statement.

Due to the area's history of being used for military exercises in the past, authorities encouraged residents to report things that don't seem right. Areas that may contain old ordnance are marked by signage and should be avoided, law enforcement warned.

Visitors in the area should stay on established trails and observe all posted signs while enjoying trails at Fort Sheridan.