Numerous police agencies and the bomb squad are responding Sunday morning after a military object was found in a wooded area of Fort Sheridan near Highland Park.
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.
City officials said the bomb squad will be investigating the object further and determining the best course of action to either safely remove it or destroy it at the scene.
The ordnance was located on Lake County Forest Preserve District property and the Lake County Forest Preserve District Police will assume responsibility for the investigation.
The forest preserve police will continue to coordinate with the Highland Park Police Department.
Residents are asked to avoid the area while emergency crews are 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.