Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Bomb Discovered Near Library Was Real

An official with the Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed that the device found near the Renton Library on Wednesday afternoon was a "function pipe bomb."

An official with the Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed that the on Wednesday afternoon was a "functional pipe bomb."

Special Agent Cheryl Bishop said the ATF and the city of Renton are jointly investigating the incident. Investigators are currently testing the evidence and interviews are taking place, she said, adding that it'll take several weeks before investigators know more about the bomb and why it was left in the ivy about 50 feet northwest of the downtown Renton library.

A parks employee found the pipe bomb, which was also described as an "improvised explosive device," while working on the Cedar River Trail.

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The Port of Seattle bomb unit responded along with  the ATF, the Renton Police Department, and Renton Fire and Emergency Service, said Alex Pietsch, economic development administrator for the city.

Authorities evacuated the library and set up a 200-foot perimeter around the explosive. The bomb unit sent in a robot to detonate it, Pietsch said. A camera on the robot gave authorities a better image of the pipe bomb before it was destroyed.

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There was a small pop and a plume of smoke after the device's destruction at 2:13 p.m.

Mill Avenue and Bronson Way were closed until 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday and a portion of the Cedar River Trail remained closed for a longer period of time. The trail has now reopened.

The federal penalty for possession of a pipe bomb is 10 years in prison.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Renton Police at (425) 430-7500, reference case 11-6291.


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