Discovery of a suspicious device closes Wheeler Avenue

WSP Bomb Squad on the scene

By BY BOB KIRKPATRICK The Daily World • February 17, 2017 10:00 pm
A member of the Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad Unit removes a suspicious device from the home on Wheeler Avenue in Hoquiam. (BOB KIRKPATRICK|THE DAILY WORLD)
A member of the Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad Unit removes a suspicious device from the home on Wheeler Avenue in Hoquiam. (BOB KIRKPATRICK|THE DAILY WORLD)

BY BOB KIRKPATRICK

The Daily World

Wheeler Avenue in Hoquiam was closed off for more than two hours Thursday morning after federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents and members of the Grays Harbor Drug Task Force discovered a suspicious device while executing a search warrant at a home in the 900 block.

The Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad Unit arrived on the scene about 10:30 a.m. No one was home during the search. The device was removed from the residence and transported away from the area. Wheeler Avenue was reopened at 11:30.

Hoquiam Police Chief Jeff Myers said he believed one person was arrested in connection with the search warrant, but he had no further details and referred questions to federal authorities. Jason Chudy, public information officer for ATF Seattle Division, said the search is part of an ongoing investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies. He added the DEA is lead entity and that the Seattle Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be releasing all information regarding the investigation.

The Hoquiam Police Department Special Operations van blocks the entrance to Wheeler Avenue. (BOB KIRKPATRICK|THE DAILY WORLD)

The Hoquiam Police Department Special Operations van blocks the entrance to Wheeler Avenue. (BOB KIRKPATRICK|THE DAILY WORLD)