IED Rocks Clackamas Near I-205 Freeway

Investigators are seeking information as to who is responsible for detonation of the explosive device.

Salem-News.com

(CLACKAMAS, Ore.) - An improvised explosive device or 'IED' was ignited in Clackamas last night, on the bicycle path that runs parallel to SE Strawberry Lane today on the west side of the I-205 Freeway. Investigators say it went off just after 9:30 PM.

Detective Jim Strovink with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, says that at that time a uniformed patrol deputy was southbound on I-205 and witnessed an explosive flash.

He said it "charged with enough significant force to propel this wafting explosive plume of light onto the southbound lane of travel onto I-205."

Strovink told Salem-News that the deputy's proximity to the blast, by chance, was extremely close. "He heard this explosive flash that had a loud report, the smoke from it actually enveloped his vehicle."

The deputy immediately responded to the area of the bike-path where the IED was suspected to have been ignited, Strovink said.

"While the distinctive odor of this ignited device remained lingering in the night time air, fragments from this explosive device were recovered as evidence from the scene and retained as evidence."

Strovink says no suspects were located in the immediate area of this detonated device. He is reasonably sure that the culprits are kids from the local area.

"We have a greenway that sits between the residential neighborhood and the bicycle path. The geographical nature of this location, and the fact that it is sheltered, and it is a firing range for kids in this area."

IED fragment recovered on scene by Detective Jim Strovink

"Somebody in that back of the woods knows something. If it is a kid they know every back trail and have easy access so they were able to get away."

He says forensic analysis is being performed on the items of evidence recovered at the scene. Strovink also spent time going over evidence at the scene today in the daylight. "There is evidence in the area were were able to collect, I picked up a big large bottle that was exploded as well."

He says it was a serious explosion. This particular crime is classified as: Unlawful Manufacturing of an Explosive Device – As defined in ORS 166.384 – this crime is classified as a Class C Felony according to Strovink.

"This event should serve as a stern reminder to conscientious parents with young persons in the home who may be experimenting or adventuring around the home with explosive types of materials."

He says that by participating in this type of illegal activity they not only subject themselves to extreme life-threatening harm, "this illicit behavior places the lives of others in peril while engaging in this type of illegal and explosive conduct."

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is seeking assistance from the public for the identification of the suspect or suspects responsible for this crime. Please contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Tip Line at (503) 723-4949.

A copy of this criminal report is being forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.