The Collin County Sheriff’s Office says an improvised explosive device was found in a cemetery Thursday. NBC 5’s Meredith Yeomans has the latest.
The Collin County Sheriff’s Office says an improvised explosive device was found in a cemetery Thursday.
According to a post on Facebook by the sheriff's office, deputies were called about a possible pipe bomb found at Scott Cemetery off County Road 161/Ridge Road, north of Wilmeth Road in McKinney. The sheriff's office told NBC 5 the caller said he spotted the device at the cemetery last week and reported it Thursday morning.
Larry Hankey says he first spotted the object during a visit Saturday to the cemetery where his late parents and wife are buried.
"I saw something on the ground so I kind of kicked it with my foot. I didn't kick it hard. I just nudged it with my foot," Hankey told NBC 5. "Then I said, 'I ain't gonna pick it up', so I just left it there."
He left the cemetery Saturday then says he decided to report the object, described as a cylinder wrapped in black tape, after reading an FBI alert encouraging the public to report anything suspicious over the holidays.
"I should've called it in earlier," said Hankey.
Deputies arrived around at the cemetery at about 9:30 a.m. Thursday and secured the area.
The sheriff's department said the Plano Police Department's bomb squad was called in to assist and that they determined that, "the object was, in fact, an improvised explosive device."
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The Plano bomb squad safely disposed of the device.
Neighbors say they felt a concussion inside their homes when it happened.
"It doesn't make any sense. Why would there be a pipe bomb in a cemetery in a great neighborhood," said Jim Thomas who lives in a nearby neighborhood.
"Our sincere appreciation to the Plano Texas Police Department Bomb Squad for their rapid and effective response," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
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When NBC 5 crews arrived, investigators were searching an area underneath a tree along the cemetery's west fence. Investigators, including ATF agents, were seen handling what looked like nails.
NBC 5 reached out to the sheriff's office for more information and they said at this point in the investigation they have nothing more to share. No further information has been released about the device or who may have built it or left it in the cemetery.
"I don't know why it would be in a cemetery. That's mighty odd," said Hankey.
The sheriff's office said there is no indication of any further danger to the public.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has been called to assist with the investigation.
Scott Cemetery is a Texas Historical Site which dates back to the 1850's.
Check back and refresh this page for the latest update. As developments unfold, elements of this story may change.
