Lincoln Police are sorting out the details after several homemade explosive devices were found in two locations Wednesday. Police Chief Teresa Ewins says two devices were found in a vehicle during a traffic stop at NW 7th and W. Cornhusker Highway around 1:00 a.m. The officer stopped the vehicle for not having license plates.
When the officer made made contact with the 23 year old man who was behind the wheel evidence of drugs was observed in plain
view. The driver, who was not the owner of the vehicle, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine.
In searching the vehicle during the drug investigation the officer spotted two suspicious devices and were believed to be possible homemade explosives. “He was in the military. He recognized the suspicious nature of it,” Ewins says. “We also have training in regards of looking at these devices at the academy as well as ongoing training.”
The Lincoln Fire Department Bomb Squad responded and safely detonated them. Ewins says the investigation led them to an apartment building near NW 8th and W. Cornhusker Highway where the 24 year old owner of the vehicle was found. She says 2-3 other homemade explosive devices were found and the residents of the six unit apartment were evacuated.
The devices located in the apartment were removed by LFR Bomb Technicians and rendered safe away from the building. Ewins says investigators are working to understand the circumstances surrounding the explosive devices and if any other individuals are involved.