Bomb squad called to investigate pipe bomb found at Grimes business, officials say

GRIMES, Iowa — The bomb squad was called out to a business in Grimes Thursday morning after an employee discovered what officials say was a crudely made pipe bomb.

Lt. Trevor Barber of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office says emergency responders were called to 1800 SE Gateway Drive around 8:45 a.m. after receiving a call about a suspicious package. An employee had found what was believed to be a pipe bomb in a vehicle at the Adesa Des Moines auto auction business and brought it to the office.

Polk County sheriff’s deputies and the Johnston-Grimes Fire Department responded and called in the Des Moines Bomb Squad. Lt. Barber said the employees were evacuated from the building.

The bomb squad arrived and contained the device in a blast bag and moved to an area a safe distance from the structure to investigate. Employees were able to return to normal operations after about half an hour.

Lt. Barber said the bomb squad remained on the scene until around 10:50 a.m. before wrapping up operations.

The investigation into the device continues.

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