Police: Hand grenade safely removed from home in Patchogue

A hand grenade was found inside a Patchogue home by a cleaning company, police say.
Deputy Inspector Don Raber says the explosive did not pose imminent danger to the residents on the block, but it was removed as a precaution.
Officers in bomb suits safely removed the grenade from the house on West Avenue.

"With a fuse, you need gun powder," Raber said. "It's doubtful there's any gun powder in there."

Neighbors were surprised at the discovery.

"I think it's pretty shocking," said Alex Piacentini, of Patchogue. "I wonder how many other houses out here have live ammunition."

Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri says the homeowner, who he declined to identify, is currently in the hospital. He says the house been declared uninhabitable due to hazardous conditions like feral cats and gas cans inside the property.

The mayor says the homeowner will still have to clean up the property or face fines.

Police say the grenade will be destroyed.