The Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the Houston Police Department Bomb Squad were called upon to assist the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Division on Wednesday after officers found a “booby trap” in the form of a pipe bomb.
Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams confirmed the improvised explosive device was found in the area of FM 1314 and Allendale near SH 242 just after noon and experts were requested to safely detonate and remove it.
Williams said the practice is fairly common, performed several times each year. Typically, he said, the scenario involves explosive rigged to protect criminal enterprises such as clandestine drug labs or places where stolen goods are stored.
The Fire Marshal’s Office regularly offers training to educate law enforcement about the devices.
Williams said one positive impact of 9/11 has been the increased cooperation between state, local and national agencies.
