Caretaker finds explosive device inside Idaho mailbox

USPA News - The caretaker of a residential home in central Idaho on Wednesday discovered an improvised explosive device inside the residence`s mailbox, but bomb squad technicians were able to disable the device that had been designed to maximize the size of an explosion, authorities said on Thursday. The explosive device was discovered at around 4:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday by the caretaker of a residential home on Hyndeman View Drive between the cities of Ketchum and Hailey in Blaine County.

Responding officers confirmed the suspicious nature of the device and secured the scene. Officials from the Blaine County Sheriff`s Office said its officers requested the Twin Falls Bomb Squad to respond to the scene and waited until its arrival at around 8 p.m. local time. It took bomb squad technicians about an hour to examine the suspicious device and to safely neutralize it. Authorities said the improvised explosive device contained projectiles which were designed to maximize the destructive force of an explosion. It was not immediately clear who lived at the residence and who the intended target was, but local authorities have asked people in the community to immediately report any suspicious items. The sheriff`s office said it has no suspects yet and has asked state and federal authorities to assist in their investigation. "This case is under investigation and will be a priority until the person or persons responsible are identified and apprehended," said Blaine County Sheriff Gene Ramsey. The sheriff said the explosive device was not a pressure-style cooking device, referring to the type of bomb that was used during last week`s bombings at the Boston Marathon. The bombings killed 3 people and injured 282 others, and two suspects were caught days later after a shootout with the police.