Oregon State Police explosives unit called in after resident reports finding pipe bomb

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An Oregon State Police explosives unit was called to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, Oct. 7, after a local resident reported finding a device, which he thought was a pipe bomb, in his car.

No one was hurt, according to the sheriff’s office.

The incident started when a resident called Baker County Dispatch, saying he was driving to Baker City when he noticed something roll out from under the car’s seat. He believed the item was a pipe bomb, and he drove to the sheriff’s office to ask for help.

Sgt. Craig Rilee confirmed the object was a “destructive device,” according to the sheriff’s office. Police called the OSP explosives unit, which “secured the scene,” according to the sheriff’s office.

They disabled the device without an explosion, said Ashley McClay, public information officer for the sheriff’s office.



Police are investigating to try to find out how the device was placed in the car.

McClay said there is “no threat to the public.”

She said she sheriff’s office isn’t releasing more details while the investigation is ongoing.

In a photo posted on the sheriff’s office Facebook page, an OSP officer is using a tool to hold a white cylindrical object that looks about the size of a soda can.

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