Squad destroys pipe bombs from South Spokane

Two pipe bombs were destroyed by authorities Tuesday after a maintenance worker spotted them in a box behind a south Spokane home.

The bombs apparently belonged to the residents’ deceased brother, said Spokane police Officer Jennifer DeRuwe. The homeowner was aware the items were in the box behind the house. But the man who had arrived at the house to do work was not, and called police.

The Spokane bomb squad responded to the home near 33rd Avenue and Lamonte where they destroyed two pipe bombs and what they think was an illegal firework, police said.

Sacajawea Middle School was locked down about 1:45 p.m. while the Spokane bomb squad dealt with the devices, DeRuwe said. The students were released at their normal time.

The resident who had the explosive items will not be charged, DeRuwe said.