A relic hunter is facing three felony charges after police say he stole a Civil War artillery shell that had been embedded in a downtown brick building, making it an historic landmark.

Police and court records show that 49-year-old Timothy Clary of Chester is charged with destruction of property with intent, grand larceny and the use of explosives. The seven-inch long and three-inches around shell was one of the last artifacts from a ten-month siege on the city.

It was recovered by police, but had to be destroyed.

Police say Clary was caught because the owner of the building was driving by, saw a man on a 40-foot ladder and called police.

Clary will be arraigned in Petersburg General District Court on Friday.