CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio — A driver was taken into custody after state troopers found four homemade explosives in the front compartment of an SUV during a traffic stop on I-71 southbound at West 130th Street early Friday morning, according to a spokesperson for the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
At approximately 1:44 a.m., state troopers initiated a traffic stop of a red 2000 Ford Escape for failing to display registration and a vehicle defect.
Once the vehicle stopped, troopers saw unusual movement in the car, a highway patrol spokesperson told News 5.
The driver told troopers that there was a firearm in the vehicle, which prompted its search.
A firearm that was improperly transported was located.
Troopers also found what they call four homemade explosives in the front passenger compartment.
I-71 south at W130 the right lane and exit are closed. OSP, ATF, CPD, CPD Bomb Squad and ODOT all on scene with a focus on a Red SUV. Unknown exactly what’s going on here. pic.twitter.com/BX9kE3X0D9
— Mike Vielhaber (@MVielhaber) October 1, 2021
The driver told troopers that the devices were going to be used to kill rodents on a family farm.
According to the OSHP, at this time there is no belief that the incident is connected to any kind of domestic terrorism or public target.
The driver was taken into custody. No further information was provided on any possible charges.
The bomb squad of the Cleveland Division of Police, ATF and Linndale police assisted with the traffic stop.
The traffic stop had previously closed a portion of I-71 southbound to motorists. The scene has since been cleared.
This story will be updated once more information becomes available.
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