A Kansas man faces felony explosives charge after Licking police found a pipe bomb in his vehicle Sunday.
According to an officer’s report, a traffic stop was initiated on northbound U.S. 63, and during the course of an investigation a search of the vehicle was conducted and an apparent explosive device made from a pipe was located. The driver, who was wanted on warrant, was placed under arrest and secured in a patrol vehicle.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol Technical Services Bomb Squad was dispatched from general headquarters in Jefferson City. The device was examined and rendered safe.
The driver – Michael B. Smith, 41, of Burden, Kansas – was subsequently arrested for possession of an explosive device, armed criminal action, the active felony warrant and a registration violation.
A probable cause statement will be forwarded to the Texas County prosecutor’s office seeking formal charges.