The Richland Bomb Squad and police are investigating a mystifying case. (Photo is x-ray image of explosive device found near scene).

Just before midnight Monday,  police were called to the 100 block of Riverwood Street, for a report of a vehicle fire. A witness reported hearing glass breaking, came outside, and saw a car on fire.

The witness used a fire extinguisher to beat down the flames, Richland Fire units were able to extinguish the rest of the fire. From the Richland police report:

Responding officers found a tennis ball on the driver’s seat of the vehicle.  It appeared that the tennis ball had been filled with some type of substance that caused it to explode and ignite the interior of the vehicle.

RPD officers began searching the neighborhood and found that another window had been broken out.  They found what appeared to be an explosive device inside a pick up.  The device was the size of a ping pong ball, filled with BB’s and had nails affixed to the outside.  The device also had a partially burned fuse attached.  Officers secured the area and called for the RPD Bomb Squad and an Arson investigator.  Bomb techs were able to render the device safe.

There were a number of other vehicles (approximately 12) in the area that sustained damage to windows or the exterior. 

The investigation is continuing.  Anyone with information is asked to call Richland Police at 509-942-7340.

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