While searching for a rat, St. Petersburg woman finds a bazooka shell

ST. PETERSBURG — An elderly woman's search for a rodent in her garage Thursday afternoon instead led to the discovery of a bazooka shell, authorities said.

Police say Jeanne Tipton called authorities shortly after 3 p.m. to pick up the projectile, which she had found while trying to locate a rat she'd heard.

Before police arrived, the 81-year-old moved the shell from the attic, which was above the garage, to her backyard.

Officers from the Tampa Police Department's bomb squad removed the item, determined to be an inert practice round. St. Petersburg officers asked neighbors to remain inside and blocked traffic in the Shore Acres neighborhood while they worked.

The projectile is believed to be at least 40 years old. Tipton told police her brother had been a Marine in World War II and had stored several things in the attic before moving in 1969.