Ammo found in Long Valley home prompts evacuation

WASHINGTON TWP. – Police evacuated a section of Schooleys Mountain Road in the Long Valley section of the township on Wednesday after ammunition shells were found on the property, according to police.

Washington Twp. police responded to the Schooleys Mountain Road property at about 1:35 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a call from the caretaker who found ammunition, police said.

Cpl. David Marut and Officer Thomas Falleni arrived and were directed to two large military ammunition shells that were stored in a cabinet, police said.

Police were told the previous owner of the property was a veteran of the Canadian Air Force who brought the shells home years ago after returning from active duty.

The previous owner is now deceased so police could not determine if the shells were still active and called the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad and members of Picatinny Arsenal to respond.

As a precaution, the surrounding area was evacuated and Schooleys Mountain was shut down between Long Valley Center and Fairview Avenue.

Using an X-ray device, the bomb squad and Picatinny Arsenal employees determined the shells were no longer active, police said.

The ammunition was safely removed from the scene and the area was reopened to the public at about 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Long Valley Fire Company also assisted on scene.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com