Pipe Bombs Found in Portable Toilets in Issaquah

On July 16, construction workers at the intersection of 15th Avenue Northeast and Northeast College Drive found a Honey Bucket that had been damaged by an explosive device. Upon further inspection, workers then found a second, unexploded pipe bomb inside. Bomb squad personnel from Bellevue Police Department responded and safely disarmed the pipe bomb through a controlled detonation. 

On July 4, another Honey Bucket in Central Park was damaged by some type of explosive device.

The Issaquah Police Department is seeking citizen tips and assistance in reporting suspicious activity around the Issaquah Highlands construction areas. If a suspected device is located, do not touch or disturb it. Once you are out of the immediate area of the suspicious device, call 911. 

The case remains open and under investigation by the Issaquah Police Department.  Questions can be directed to Det. Sgt. Nash at 425-837-3200.

The best way to prevent crimes involving explosive devices is through education.

“We encourage everyone in our community to be aware of what these devices look like, and alert authorities if they see any unusual behavior,” said Issaquah Police Chief Paul Ayers. “These types of devices can cause serious injury or even death.”

Safety tips:

• Pay close attention to your surroundings.
• Monitor any unusual interest in chemicals and explosives among those you know.
• Know what these devices look like. Pipe bombs are usually constructed using a short section of steel water pipe that is closed at both ends with steel or brass caps. An explosive mixture is then located inside, with a fuse exposed. 

--Information from the City of Issaquah