By Staff
NILES - The Michigan State Police Post 53 in Niles is investigating an explosive complaint in Howard Township, Cass County.
A Michigan State Police press release states troopers received a call at around 9 a.m. on Sunday of a suspicious object on a large propane tank at 1073 Carberry Road. Lt. Mike Brown of the Niles Post said someone living at the residence found a suspicious object and called it in to the police. The name of the individual that reported the incident was not released.
Troopers found what appeared to be a pipe bomb on top of a 1,000 gallon propane tank near a pole building.
Neighboring homes within 1,000 feet were evacuated for safety reasons.
The Michigan State Police Bomb Squad from Grand Rapids responded. The device was removed using a remote control robot then rendered safe via the robot.
Brown said the disposal of the pipe bomb, which was found to be real by the bomb squad, was completed by early afternoon.
The investigation continues into locating those responsible for the felony.
Also assisting on the scene was the Howard Township Fire Department and Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service.