Authorities Find Home-Made Bomb during Eastern Iowa Drug Arrest
The prevalent use and sale of illegal narcotics in Iowa aren't exactly something people are shocked by. In terms of alcohol, opiate, and methamphetamine use, the Hawkeye State ranks in the top 13 nationally. Iowa is also 15th in tobacco use.
So, folks aren't usually flabbergasted when local authorities execute a drug bust and tens of people are arrested and/or later charged with distribution or consumption of illegal drugs.
That's why this story out of Mahaska County in southeast Iowa stands out.
According to KTVO, two passengers in a bronze 2006 Chevy Blazer -- Matthew Jefferson-Wood, 21, of Bloomfield, and Jessica Pilson, 33, of Oskaloosa -- attempted to flee after police did their best to execute a conventional traffic stop at 4:30 AM on Sunday, June 26. After the SUV crashed at the 1600 block of Highway 92 in rural Mahaska County, the driver took his chance to escape the clutches of the police, but it was to no avail.
The story continues: "Both were charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana first offense, and possession of methamphetamine first offense."
Additionally, per the Ottumwa Post, "Both subjects made their initial court appearance in the Mahaska County District Court later that day (the 26th) and each was being held in the Mahaska County Jail on $2,000 cash bond.
Now, here's where the story gets interesting.
Authorities searched the vehicle on Monday after it was towed from the crash site, and they proceeded to find a "homemade explosive device."
The Iowa State Fire Marshal's Office dispatched their bomb squad division to the scene after the device was reported. The area was then evacuated and the explosive device was detonated safely.
The events remain under investigation and further charges against Jefferson-Wood and Pilson are expected.