Ammunition, explosives found buried at Charlotte Frito-Lay plant

Published: Mar. 30, 2017 at 12:50 AM EDT|Updated: Mar. 30, 2017 at 8:58 AM EDT
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(John Sparks | WBTV)
(John Sparks | WBTV)
(Alex Giles | WBTV)
(Alex Giles | WBTV)

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Police say a large collection of ammunition and explosives were found at a Charlotte Frito-Lay plant Wednesday.

The discovery was made before 7 p.m. at the Frito-Lay plant on Nevada Boulevard in southwest Charlotte. Sources said workers were digging when they came across the ammo. They stopped digging and called the authorities.

Emergency crews responded and Nevada Blvd was closed in both directions.

Unfired 50-caliber shells, spent anti-air shells, and a large mortar shell were reportedly found. None of the ammunition went off and no one was injured.

Police say the plant was previously used as an ammunition depot.

Chris Kuechenmeister with Frito-Lay released a statement about the discovery.

"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."

A detective with CMPD's Bomb Squad responded to the scene to investigate, and the military was contacted due to the fact the items recovered are government issued property.

Detectives are currently working with military EOD on the case.

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