Unusual mortar donation caused Mesa Goodwill store to be evacuated, bomb squad sent in

A bomb squad responded to a Mesa Goodwill on Thursday afternoon after an unusual donation caused suspicion.

An old military-style mortar, or a small artillery cannon, was donated to the Goodwill at Dobson and Guadalupe roads. The weapon was reported to be vintage and possibly used for military purposes.

According to Mesa police, it was unknown if the mortar was live or had been modified, which is why they evacuated the store and treated the situation with caution. The weapon was examined by an ordinance expert.

At approximately 6 p.m., Mesa police said the device was safely removed and officers had cleared the area.

The Arizona Republic contacted the Goodwill store Thursday evening and spoke with an employee who said they had no knowledge of the situation.

No additional information has been provided.

This originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mortar donated to Mesa Goodwill store, bomb squad sent in

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