Live WWI Era Ammo And Mortars Found Buried Near Frito-Lay Factory

CHARLOTTE, NC — Officials say multiple live shells and mortars dating back to WWI have been located by crews digging near the Frito-Lay factory in southwest Charlotte.

The call for suspicious property found on Nevada Boulevard came in shortly after 5:30pm Wednesday. CMPD and Charlotte Fire Department responded to the scene where a Frito-Lay employee said that construction crews found unexploded ammunition and mortars while digging on the property.

Officials say they do not know exactly how many shells and mortars are buried at this time.

According to reports, the land was once the location for Camp Greene Military Base which operated during World War I. The area where these shells and mortars are buried served as the base’s ammunition depot.

The Bomb Squad has responded to the scene, and a source says they could be on site for up to 10 hours. Officials say the military has also been contacted because the items recovered are government issued property.

Chris Kuechenmeister with Frito-Lay issued the following statement on the situation:

“The team at our Charlotte production facility contacted the local police and fire department for assistance with an issue that arose during excavation for a planned construction project. A few items of what appears to be military ammunition were discovered by the crew at the excavation site – which previously served as a military ammunition depot — and the matter has required local authorities to investigate further. We are cooperating fully. Police and fire department representatives have confirmed the safety of our facility and all employees, and plant production is continuing as normal.”

No injuries have been reported so far, and officials say none of the ammunition has detonated. CMPD says Nevada Boulevard has been shut down in both directions as a precaution.