05/20/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Delaware County Hazmat Team Safely Mitigates Rare Early-1900s Chemical Hazard Device Found During Downtown Renovation
FULL RELEASE DOCUMENT:https://www.co.delaware.in.us/egov/documents/1779306012_41458.pdf
MUNCIE, Ind. – May 20, 2026
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A coordinated multi-agency response on Tuesday, May 19, led to the successful identification, removal, transport, and disposal of a rare and potentially dangerous chemical anti-theft device discovered inside a historic safe in downtown Muncie.
The operation involved personnel from the Delaware County Hazardous Materials Team, Delaware County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, Emergency Management, Delaware County EMS, with assistance from the Muncie Fire Department, and Liberty-Selma Fire Department.
Emergency responders were requested after a safe specialist working on a historic safe located in the basement of a downtown restaurant undergoing renovations discovered what appeared to be an unusual device attached to the safe’s internal door mechanism. Recognizing the device as a possible chemical anti-tamper system, the specialist immediately halted work and contacted emergency services.
Historically, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, some safes were equipped with chemical anti-theft mechanisms to deter burglary. These systems were intended to activate if criminals attempted to manipulate the lock or use torches to breach the safe. Once triggered, the mechanism's glass vials would shatter, releasing toxic chemical agents and exposing the intruder.
Responders quickly assessed the situation and determined that the device remained intact and active despite being more than a century old.
Based on the color and appearance of the glass vials contained within the device, responders
believed the substance was most likely Chloropicrin, a highly toxic respiratory and eye irritant
commonly used during that era. Chloropicrin has historically been used as a warning agent and
fumigant and can cause severe irritation upon exposure.
Because of the unknown condition of the chemical after decades of aging and possible
decomposition, officials elected to proceed with extreme caution.
Authorities emphasized that while the device contained a hazardous substance, the limited
quantity and the chemical’s properties indicated there was no threat to surrounding
neighborhoods or the broader downtown area. The incident remained confined to the building in
which the safe was located, and no public evacuations beyond immediate operational safety
precautions were necessary.
Upon arrival, Delaware County Hazmat technicians developed a specialized mitigation and
removal plan. Personnel established a double-containment packaging system to secure, stabilize,
and cushion the fragile device after removal from the safe.
Hazmat technicians, wearing full protective gear, carefully accessed the safe and successfully
removed the anti-theft mechanism without incident. The device was then placed into the
containment system and transported under controlled conditions to the Delaware County
Sheriff’s training range for final disposal.
Meanwhile, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad prepared a disposal site and constructed
a specialized explosive setup designed to generate the necessary heat and pressure to
completely destroy the device and any remaining hazardous contents.
After the controlled detonation, Hazmat personnel conducted post-blast assessments of the disposal area. Technicians confirmed complete destruction of the device, and no residual chemical contamination was observed.
The successful outcome highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation and specialized training among emergency response partners when confronted with unusual and potentially hazardous situations.
“This incident represented an uncommon but important reminder that historic materials and devices can still present modern-day hazards,” officials stated. “Thanks to the expertise of the safe technician who recognized the threat and the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies, the situation was safely resolved without injury or public impact.”
The Delaware County Hazmat Team extends its appreciation to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, Delaware County EMS, Muncie Fire Department, Delaware County Highway Department, and Liberty-Selma Fire Department for their assistance and professionalism throughout the operation.
Residents are reminded that unusual containers, chemicals, military items, or unfamiliar mechanical devices discovered during renovation projects, estate cleanouts, or construction activities should not be disturbed and should be reported to local authorities for evaluation.
Delaware County Emergency Medical ServicesCity of Muncie Fire DeptDelaware County Sheriff's OfficeLiberty Township Volunteer Fire DepartmentDelaware County Indiana Highway Department
