Bomb squad called after Civil War cannon ball found in Overbrook

OVERBROOK (KSNT) - A relic from the Civil War caused a bomb scare in a small Kansas town Tuesday.

The Overbrook Police Department (OPD) announced in a press release that officers were called around 3:30 p.m. on May 21 to the 400 block of Walnut on a possible explosive device. Officers responding to the area found what appeared to be an antique cannon ball.

Following this discovery, the OPD called for backup from the Osage County Sheriff's Office and Kansas State Fire Marshal. Together, the responding agencies determined the ball was an old cannon ball dating back to the Civil War of 1861-1865.

Law enforcement with the Topeka Police Department's bomb squad removed the cannon ball from the area. The OPD said there was no danger to the public while the cannon ball was being removed.

OPD Chief Eric Carlson says the cannon ball was taken by the TPD to verify whether it is safe or needs to be destroyed. If it is safe to do so, the cannon ball will be donated to the Overbrook Historical Society.

"If items like this are found, that can be dangerous, citizens should always contact police," Carlson said in a written statement.

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