NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — New Braunfels police and fire departments are currently on scene at the City of New Braunfels Recycle Center after the discovery of what's believed to be a 'military ordnance,' or military supply.
Police say the object was dropped off in the 300 block of Butcher Street with several other non-alarming recyclable items. Eventually, the object drew the attention of the staff who called the authorities.
The Recycle Center along with the City Municipal Facility located at 424 South Castell Ave. have been temporarily evacuated as a precaution. A crew from Lackland Air Force Base is on their way to safely secure and remove the object from the area.
South Castell Avenue was closed from Butcher Street to Coll Street. In addition, city employees and any resident within the 500-foot radius evacuation area were relocated to the New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center on Seguin Avenue.
Matthew Hynes was among the evacuated city employees. He called his wife to let her know he'd be late coming home from work.
“About like 1:30-1:45ish, they said it over the radio, do not come to this area," Hynes said. “Went around pretty quick but it is scary.”
As of 5 p.m., evacuations have been lifted according to a reporter on scene.
The ordnance found was not an explosive, according to police.
Captain William Penshorn said these type of discoveries aren't entirely uncommon. Penshorn is grateful for the recycle center employees to have immediately reported the ordnance to authorities.
“We have had on occasion where people at their house, someone will pass away and the family members come in and as they’re cleaning out the garage something that is suspicious," Penshorn said.
No injuries were reported.
