A “homemade gadget” that looked like a bomb caused a stir in Yavapai County this week.
According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, just after midnight on Thursday, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 17 near Rimrock. After developing reasonable suspicion, a police dog was deployed and positively alerted to the vehicle.
Upon searching the car, deputies located a horrible chemical or fertilizer smell coming from the vehicle. During their initial search, they discovered what looked to be a homemade explosive device. DPS Bomb Squad was called to the scene and after their investigation, it was revealed that the very suspicious device had a package that was linked to batteries. However, it was also revealed that there was no ignition source, and this was not an explosive device.
Deputies said it was very alarming and concerning to see a package of this nature, especially given the recent attacks across the country.
Despite the suspicious package turning out not to be an explosive device, the judgment of the deputies in calling in experts was commended by Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and DPS officials.