A customer named Cameron Blaker spotted a possible pipe bomb while pumping gas at the Speedway gas station at 930 S. Main St. in Chelsea and alerted employees, who reported it around 7:30 a.m. Friday, triggering a swift response from local and state authorities. Chelsea police officers arrived to find an object resembling an explosive device and immediately cordoned off the area while specialists were called in.
Bomb Squad Confirms the Device Was Real
The Michigan State Police Bomb Squad responded to the scene and confirmed the object was in fact an explosive device, which was then rendered safe, according to mlive.com. Chelsea Police Chief Kevin Kazyak confirmed that the suspicious object was an explosive device and had been neutralized, per thesuntimesnews.com. The Detroit News reported that the device was removed from the gas station property on Friday.
Chelsea police are working with the Michigan State Police, Speedway Corporation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as part of the response, the station's report notes. The department said it is investigating the incident, though officers have not released information about a possible suspect or motive, according to wilx.com.
Employee Who Found Device Stays Quiet
The Speedway employee who discovered the item declined to speak with MLive/The Ann Arbor News about the discovery, leaving many of the circumstances surrounding the find unexplained. Chief Kazyak reminded the public that people should not touch suspicious packages or possible explosive devices if they come across them.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Chelsea Police Department at 734-475-9122. The investigation remains active as authorities continue working to determine what led to the device being placed at the busy Main Street gas station.
