Kentucky State Police initiate weapon of mass destruction investigation after finding pipe bomb at truck stop

A Kentucky truck stop was evacuated over the weekend when an explosive device was discovered inside a trash can outside of the building.

Kentucky State Police received a call about a potential explosive device at the Pilot Travel Center in Pendleton on Sunday, May 27, just after 2:30 p.m. A truck stop employee discovered what was thought to be a six inch pipe bomb in a trash can outside of the facility.

After deeming the device to be a legitimate threat, the truck stop was evacuated.

A KSP Hazardous Device Unit was dispatched to the scene to neutralize the device.

The device was rendered secure around 5:30 p.m. and the Pilot Travel Center was reopened around 6:15 p.m.

Kentucky State Police are investigating the incident as a “Use of Weapon of Mass Destruction” felony. They have collected surveillance footage and have interviewed witnesses on the scene.

No arrests have been made.