Three individuals are in custody after a security guard at Joint Base-Pearl Harbor spotted potential ordnance in their vehicle at Nimitz Gate Tuesday night, prompting security forces to temporarily shut down all gates at the base, an official said.
Spokesman Chuck Anthony said an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team identified the ordnance as a live mortar round.
Security responded to a vehicle occupied by three civilians at Nimitz Gate at about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday that did not have authorized access at the base.
When the gate guard requested the driver to turn around, the guard noticed the smell of marijuana and saw potential ordnance in plain sight in the car, Anthony said.
The ordnance disposal team immediately responded to the scene while security forces shut down access to the base at all gates.
The team removed the mortar from the vehicle for disposal. No injuries were reported.
Security forces reopened the O’Malley Gate shortly after midnight. All gates reopened to normal traffic shortly before 4 a.m. today.
Anthony said the three individuals remain in the custody of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Their ages and genders were not available at this time.
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