The bomb squad and the U.S. Air Force determined that a suspicious object found in a wooded area of Fort Sheridan near Highland Park Sunday morning was not a military device.
The Highland Park Police Department said they were called on Sunday morning to a report of a possible military ordnance found in a heavily wooded area of Fort Sheridan.
The object was discovered and reported by a resident. It was found near Davis Street in Openlands Lakeshore Preserve.
Police personnel from multiple jurisdictions were responding to the incident, city officials said around 9:15 a.m.
The object, wedged between two rocks, appeared to be a cannonball or similar ordnance, which will require special training and care for removal.
The police department contacted the Waukegan Fire Department Bomb Squad.
The object was located on Lake County Forest Preserve District property and the Lake County Forest Preserve District Police assumed responsibility for the investigation.
Following the investigation, which included assistance from trained specialists, it was determined that the object was not military ordnance.
The U.S. Air Force and Scott Air Force Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit responded as well.
“This incident is a good reminder of the importance of reporting something that doesn’t seem right, particularly given the area’s prior use in military exercises. The teams that responded to this report all have special training to identify objects that may pose a danger to the public,” city officials said in an update.
“While in this case there fortunately was no risk, it is best to give these experts the opportunity to make that determination,” they said.
Residents were asked to avoid the area while emergency crews were working. “Many thanks to the resident who reported this object,” city officials said.
Anyone who sees something along the trails that may be an old military ordnance or looks out of place is asked not to approach the object and instead call 911.
Visitors on the trails in Openlands and within Fort Sheridan, especially the Henry T. Chandler Jr. Bridge, are asked to stay on established trails and observe all posted signage indicating locations for old military ordnance.