Springfield Bomb Squad detonates IED found during traffic stop

AURORA, Mo. - The Springfield Bomb Squad detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) found during a traffic stop in Aurora, Missouri. 

According to the Aurora-Marionville Police Department's probable cause statement, an officer was on patrol on the evening of Aug. 19 when he noticed a truck blocking an alleyway.

The officer spoke to the driver, Nicholas McKeever, 31, and learned McKeever had an active warrant after checking his license.

After handcuffing McKeever, the officer searched the truck and found methamphetamine and an IED stashed under the radio.

The IED was described as a steel pipe with crimped ends and a fuse, police said. The Springfield Bomb Squad detonated the explosive at the police department's gun range. 

The Lawrence County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged McKeever with unlawful possession of an illegal weapon and possession of a controlled substance. He remains jailed without bond. McKeever is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, Aug. 21.