A late-night stop outside a Port Orchard convenience store turned into a bomb scare Thursday when deputies say they spotted an improvised explosive device inside a car and arrested a 25-year-old man from Tacoma.
According to FOX 13 Seattle, Kitsap County deputies rolled up around 10:45 p.m. after getting reports of a man acting erratically in the parking lot of the Mullinex Market on Southeast Mullenix Road in unincorporated Port Orchard. Deputies detained the man, then noticed what appeared to be an improvised explosive device inside his vehicle.
The 25-year-old was taken into custody, then transported to St. Michael Medical Center to be treated for what officials described as a serious health issue. Authorities did not immediately release details about his condition.
Bomb Squad Locks Down Scene
KIRO 7 reported that the Washington State Patrol bomb squad was called in to deal with the device. Technicians contained and neutralized it, then turned the scene back over to deputies for a full search of the car.
Once the vehicle was cleared, deputies found a small amount of methamphetamine inside, according to KIRO 7. Deputies described the suspect as a 25-year-old transient from Tacoma.
Case Heads To Prosecutor
Per the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, investigators gathered information and physical evidence from the scene and forwarded the case to the Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for a charging decision. Prosecutors will review the file and determine whether to pursue criminal charges.
The sheriff’s office has not released the suspect’s name or additional details about his medical condition. Officials say the investigation remains active and they will provide more information when appropriate, according to the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office.
