(Photos courtesy of Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office)
Last week, while on a hike with his kids in the desert of Arizona, a man stumbled upon a partially constructed pipe bomb.
According to authorities, on Friday, a hiker discovered an ammo can in a group of boulders near the Yavapai County community of Hillside, located approximately 40 miles north of Wickenburg.
Upon inspection of the can, the man found the components for an improvised explosive device (IED). He sealed the can again and informed the authorities.
Upon arrival, deputies from the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office witnessed a 2-inch pipe bomb made of galvanized material, containing horseshoe nails and a detonation cord. The YCSO then requested assistance from the Arizona Department of Public Safety Bomb Squad to further examine the matter.
Could the partially constructed pipe bomb explode?
It was concluded by DPS that the device did not contain any explosive substance. Nevertheless, a bag containing black powder was discovered in close proximity, along with other components for an IED that were stored in bags with zip closures.
The potential danger was eliminated by the Bomb Squad through a controlled detonation of the black powder and detonation cord.
A dog trained to detect bombs was called in, but it did not uncover any additional explosive devices.
The inquiry into the partially constructed pipe bomb is still ongoing.