Wyandotte Police discover homemade bomb designed to 'kill or injure people' during traffic stop; 2 men arrested

WYANDOTTE (WWJ) -- The Wyandotte Police Department says officers who found and seized a makeshift bomb during a routine traffic stop likely saved lives.

At around 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, police said two officers pulled a driver over for what was described as a "minor reason." However, talking with the man and his passenger, police said they noticed some inconsistencies.

Upon further investigation, the officers discovered the men were transporting a "homemade bomb" containing shrapnel, according to the police report. There were also drugs in the car.

The two men were arrested on charges of Possession of an Explosive Device, Possession of Dangerous Drugs, and Possession of Cocaine.

"This type of explosive device is designed to do one thing-kill or injure people," the Wyandotte PD said, in a statement. "Shrapnel is designed to increase the lethality of the device; therefore, it can be safely assumed that their intent was malicious. However, this device will never hurt anyone due to the outstanding policework by Officer Tyler Groat, Officer Rasmussen, and Officer Saltsman."

Police also thanked the Dearborn Police Department's Bomb Squad who swiftly respond to help at the scene, calling them "true professionals."

The names of the men in custody were not immediately released, as they await an arraignment on the charges.

Police did not say what it is believed the suspects intended to do with the bomb, but said this is an ongoing investigation.