Authorities safely detonated a World War I-era bomb shell on August 29 after it was turned into Sonora Police Chief Donald Fernandez Jr.
Officers raised concerns about the shell’s volatility during an initial inspection, prompting Fernandez to request assistance from the Midland Police Department bomb disposal unit.
In coordination with the Midland team and the Dyess Air Force Base Bomb Squad, a joint response crew arrived in Sonora to assess the device. Sonora Officer Juan Magana first attempted to examine the shell using a portable X-ray machine acquired through the federal Operation Stone Garden grant. The shell’s density, however, prevented a clear image.
The Midland bomb disposal unit then deployed a high-resolution imaging system, which confirmed the shell was still active. Crews transported it to the Sonora Police Department firing range at the city yard off SCR 303. The Dyess bomb squad detonated the shell at 6:09 p.m. using two pounds of C-4, a stable plastic explosive commonly employed by the military for controlled demolitions.
Fernandez expressed his gratitude to both the Midland Police Department and Dyess Air Force Base for their swift, professional response.
He also urged residents to treat historic military items with caution.
“If you come across any item, treasure or souvenir handed down from veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War – please do not handle it,” Fernandez said. He went on to urge the public to contact the police department immediately and explained that the precautions should apply to any suspicious packages or objects.
“Your safety is our priority,” Fernandez said.
