A homemade explosive device was safely removed from a stolen vehicle in Bellevue, Washington, after police detained a man during an alleged shoplifting incident on Sunday, October 4.
Officers were called at about 6pm to a business in the 600 block of 156th Avenue North-east, where they identified 30-year-old Johny Mixayboua, the Bellevue Police Department said.
Police allege that Mixayboua gave officers false details about his identity. During his detention, he appeared to reach inside his jacket, where officers found a firearm and disarmed him.
Explosive device found in stolen vehicle
A key fob recovered from Mixayboua was linked to a vehicle reported stolen. Officers located the car in the business car park and found what appeared to be an improvised explosive device inside.
The Bellevue Police Department’s bomb squad was sent to the scene and confirmed that the device was viable. Bomb technicians removed it safely before dismantling it, with no injuries reported among members of the public.
Mixayboua was booked into King County Jail. Police listed charges including first-degree assault, driving with a suspended licence, possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, obstructing law enforcement and making false or misleading statements.
Authorities said he also had outstanding warrants in King County and with the US Marshals Service.
Police have not released further details about the circumstances behind those warrants.
