Bomb Squad Deploys to West Salem

Nobody was hurt, and the incident remains currently under investigation.

Photos of bomb squad callout by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy and Army Sgt. Eric Rutherford

(SALEM, Ore.) - The discovery of bomb making-materials in west Salem today activated numerous members of the local law enforcement community, as well as members of the Oregon National Guard's 102nd Civil Support Team.

They were called out to assist the Polk County Sheriffs, Salem Police, and Salem Fire Departments, in the West Salem neighborhood, where the suspected materials for a bomb were reported to be located.

Sgt. Mark Garton with the Polk County Sheriffs Office, says the suspected bomb-making materials were located in a residence in West Salem.

"Upon arrival, it was determined that Zachary Leone had placed explosive material in a tree that was located on his property. The tree was then partially blown up. Once deputies were on-scene they located another possible explosive device which was located inside the residence and the search was discontinued at that time for safety."

Garton says a search warrant was obtained and the Salem Police Bomb Squad was called in to help make the house safe.

"During the beginning of the search another explosive device was found inside the residence and then it was rendered safe by the bomb squad. While continuing the search, the bomb squad located other items of interest, which consisted of bomb-making materials and another possible explosive device."

Garton said that is when the National Guard Civil Service Team was also called in to assist with the investigation.

"Zachary Leone was arrested and lodged at the Polk County Jail on the charges of Disorderly Conduct, Possession of illegal Fireworks and Unlawful Manufacture of a destructive device. Additional charges will be forthcoming as the investigation continues."

The incident remains currently under investigation.

Special thanks to Capt. Stephen Bomar of the Oregon National Guard for information in this report. Photos of bomb squad callout by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy and Army Sgt. Eric Rutherford.

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