Explosives Discovered After Police Stop Erratic Driver

Just before midnight on Sunday, July 27, Kearney Police Officers responded to reports of a reckless driver on Highway 92. Concerned witnesses described the vehicle's alarming behavior, stating it was swerving erratically and nearly causing several head-on collisions, prompting urgent calls to law enforcement.

Responding officers quickly located the suspect vehicle and observed firsthand the dangerous driving and initiated the traffic stop. During the investigation, officers found probable cause to search the vehicle, leading to a startling discovery: a bag filled with what appeared to be multiple homemade explosive devices. The devices varied in size, measuring between 3 and 10 inches, and each was equipped with a distinctive green fuse extending from its center.

Officers noticed a thin wire or string emerging from the bottom corner of the rear passenger door and trailing underneath the truck, raising the possibility of a trip wire mechanism.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Kearney Police quickly coordinated with a range of partner agencies, including their own detectives, the Kearney Fire & Rescue Protection District, the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas City Missouri Police Department Bomb Squad, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). These agencies responded on scene to assist in evaluating and safely neutralizing the suspicious devices.

Kearney Police expressed gratitude to local residents and motorists for their cooperation, “Thank you all for cooperating with our efforts last night to keep the area safe and for following up on our officer's advice to leave the area for a safe location for a short time.”

The suspect, a male individual whose identity has not been released, remains in police custody as the investigation continues. Criminal charges are pending with the Clay County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

At this time, officials stress that there is no ongoing danger to the public. The vehicle and the scene have been rendered safe.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Search Warrant yields Large Amount of Explosives

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force received several tips that led it to a large amount of illegal explosives and drugs at a Northland Kansas City house.

The STAR (Special Tactics and Response) Team recieved several tips and was able to serve a search warrant Friday morning.The team arrested three people in the 6500 block of North Hickory Street, Kansas City, Mo., shortly after 7 am, on August 2. A search of the home turned up:

  *   107 pounds of explosive powder

  *   Two pipe bombs

  *   15 grenades

  *   20 grams of fentanyl paste

  *   15 grams of meth

  *   Psychedelic mushrooms

  *   Seven guns, including an Uzi

  *   A large amount of ammunition.

Tammie L. Bindel Cole, Cory D. Young, Erika Lahr

An elementary school-aged child also was in the home. The child is now staying with relatives.

Cory D. Young, 46, is charged with delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm and child endangerment. He is being held on a bond of $350,000 cash only.

Erika Lahr, 32, is charged with distribution of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a firearm and child endangerment. She is being held on a bond of $250,000 cash only.

Tammie L. Bindel Cole, 52, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm. She is being held on a bond of $150,000 cash only.

Additional federal charges could be forthcoming related to the explosives and weapons.

This was a joint investigation by the Clay County Drug Task Force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The Kansas City Missouri Police Department’s Bomb Squad assisted with the removal and processing of the explosives. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting with the investigation.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.