Police Department

Update: SPD and ATF investigate explosion in north Spokane

Monique Cotton, Police Communications Director, 509.363.8285

Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 9 a.m.

Update to earlier release

Initial investigation indicates the device that exploded last night was a pyrotechnic-type device, commonly referred to as an M-1000. Initial evidence indicates this device was not a bomb.

This incident appears to be an isolated incident and investigators do not believe there is an on-going danger to the community.

The ATF is the lead on this investigation. As part of their on-going investigation, the ATF will determine if there will be an arrest or criminal charges related to this incident.

Early this morning, Spokane Police officers and SPD’s Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) responded to a report of an explosion emanating from a car driving in N. Spokane. Officers were on-scene within minutes, administered life-saving measures to the man in the vehicle, and cordoned off streets to protect the safety of others in the area. Streets have been re-opened and the scene has been cleared. The ATF is the lead agency in this investigation. At this point, no arrests have been made and the ATF investigation is ongoing.

This morning, just after 1 a.m., Spokane Police responded to a report of an explosion and a collision near the 1200 block of E. Rich Rd. (between N. Morton and N. Perry).

Witnesses described a flash of light and an explosion coming from a Jeep traveling south on Morton. The vehicle left the roadway and came to rest nearby. Witnesses indicated the explosion coming from the vehicle had scattered debris over a half a block.

Officers were on-scene within minutes and located the Jeep, with an adult male driver who had suffered a serious injury to his hand from the explosion. Officers immediately administered first aid, including the application of two tourniquets. The victim was transported to the hospital. Hospital personnel indicated the life-saving measures taken by officers likely saved the man’s life.

Due to the report of an explosion and possible bomb, and to protect the safety of neighbors and others in the immediate area, SPD officers quickly cordoned off the streets surrounding the explosion. SPD’s Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) utilized the bomb robot to investigate the scene and found further evidence of explosives inside the vehicle. In addition to SPD officers and EDU, ATF, Spokane Fire, and AMR also responded to the scene.

The ATF is the lead agency in this investigation. At this point, no arrests have been made and the ATF investigation is ongoing.

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