Suspected explosive device shuts down Interstate 90 on Mercer Island
Oct 12, 2024, 1:43 PM | Updated: Oct 13, 2024, 11:42 am
The Washington State Patrol shut down both directions of I-90 Saturday after a suspected explosive device was found in a suspect's car at Island Crest Way on Mercer Island. (Photo: Washington State Patrol)
(Photo: Washington State Patrol)
The Washington State Patrol shut down Interstate 90 on Mercer Island in both directions Saturday afternoon after police arrested a suspect who they say threatened them with an explosive device.
Bellevue police officers arrested two people.
The incident began when officers found the two men slumped over in a stolen black Mercedes at Enetai Beach Park Saturday morning with drug paraphernalia in the car.
Police laid down spike strips, flattening their tires, but they kept driving.
The slow-moving chase ended with a PIT maneuver on I-90 West on Mercer Island.
The driver and a passenger made a run for it.
At one point police say the driver turned around with a blow torch in one hand and a tennis ball-size explosive device in the other. They say he was trying to light it.
Officers tackled the driver.
The Bellevue Police Department released this photo of the explosive device a suspect allegedly tried to ignite on Interstate 90 on Saturday. (Photo: Bellevue Police Dept.)
One device rolled under the freeway, causing a total closure of both directions of I-90.
Police say the devices had explosive accelerants inside and they were very dangerous.
Bellevue officers requested assistance from the Washington State Patrol.
Explosives technicians from the Bellevue Police Department, Washington State Patrol, King County, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives all assisted in the incident.
They found two more explosive devices in the vehicle.
Traffic came to a standstill on I-90 after police say someone threatened officers with what appeared to be an explosive device from a car during a traffic stop on Mercer Island. (Photo: WA Dept. of Transportation)
Police arrested both men. The driver is likely facing charges of possession of an explosive device, assault, driving under the influence, possession of a stolen vehicle, and eluding law enforcement. Police also arrested the passenger due to previously existing felony warrants.
One officer was slightly hurt during the altercation. He was treated and released at the scene.
Eastbound I-90 traffic stopped as police on Mercer Island deal with an explosive device thown from a vehicle near Island Crest Way. (Photo: WA Dept. of Transportation)
