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Independence police give all clear after explosive device investigation

Posted at 3:38 PM, Jul 14, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-14 23:15:31-04

Independence police conducted an explosive device investigation Friday after a man told officials he may have explosive material at his home. 

Officers responded to the 3000 block of south Vermont Avenue to check on the well-being of a homeowner after family members reached out to police, saying the homeowner has a mental illness and had made unusual comments. 

Officials said the homeowner was not home when they stopped by. 

Hours later, they were able to locate the individual and his car outside of Whiteman Air Force Base. According to police, he had explosive material in his car at the time. 

“When interviewed by the authorities, he made statements leading to believe there may be something in this residence,” said Independence Police Officer Luis Virgil. 

On Friday afternoon, the Independence Police Department issued a search warrant with the help of its bomb squad and two FBI agents. 

Photo courtesy Theresa Woody

Residents were not ordered to leave their homes but were asked to stay inside or avoid the area as a bomb disposal robot checked the home. 

“I was really scared. I had goosebumps all over. Officers were in my backyard, hiding behind my tree. It was terrifying,” said Theresa Woody, who lives three doors down. 

Photo courtesy Theresa Woody

After searching the home and the detached shed, police gave the all clear. 

They have not identified the suspect since he has not been charged. According to Independence police, he is still being detained.