October 29, 2025 — A calm afternoon in Old Town Clovis took a startling turn on Tuesday when two live hand grenades were discovered inside a local firearms shop.
Employees at Halfcocked Gunsmithing and Firearms were wrapping up their day when a man entered the store seeking help identifying some old military items that had belonged to his neighbor. Among the collection were two “pineapple-style” grenades, which at first appeared to be deactivated. After a brief inspection and some quick research, the staff realized the explosives were, in fact, live.
Acting swiftly, store employees evacuated nearby businesses and pedestrians in the area before law enforcement arrived. Clovis Police and the department’s bomb squad responded within minutes, securing the scene and ensuring public safety.
Fortunately, no one was injured, and the situation was resolved safely. The grenades were later removed and disposed of properly by the bomb squad.
Incidents like this serve as a reminder for residents to exercise caution when handling or discovering old ammunition or military artifacts. Police urge the public to contact authorities immediately rather than attempting to inspect or transport suspicious items on their own.
Normal business operations in Old Town resumed shortly after the all-clear was given, bringing a sense of relief to shop owners and visitors who witnessed the tense afternoon unfold.