Explosive Device Found; 2 Arrested

Two people were arrested Sunday after Spokane police officers found an explosive device next to a natural gas meter.

Police responding to a gunshot report found a spray can wrapped with electrician’s tape in an alley near Second and Lincoln, police spokesman Dick Cottam said.

Officers also spotted and questioned Joseph Wheeler, 19, of Newport, who matched the description of the gunshot suspect.

Wheeler told police he and a friend had made the device and planned to detonate it. The 16-year-old friend’s name was not released.

The can was wrapped with tape and shards of glass.

Both suspects were booked for investigation of possession of an incendiary device, police said. , DataTimes