Bomb squad called, 2 arrested after police find suspicious device in car

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

Two suspects were arrested on multiple charges when police found a pipe bomb during a traffic stop on Terre Haute's north side late last night.

Booked into the Vigo County Jail:

​The driver, Nathaniel Hoctor, 28, of Terre Haute,  reportedly displayed signs of impairment at the scene and refused a chemical test.
He is charged with:

• Possession of of a destruction device, Level 5 felony
• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated, Class C misdemeanor
• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person, Class A misdemeanor
• Possession of paraphernalia, Class C misdemeanor 

The passenger, Levi Gillis, 28, of Clinton, was wanted out of Vigo County on an active warrant on several charges:

• Possession of Cocaine or narcotic drug (warrant), Level 5 felony 
• Resisting Law Enforcement (warrant), Level 6 felony
• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person (warrant), Class A misdemeanor

According to Sgt. Matt Ames, of the Indiana State Police, Trooper Gerald Stump stopped the 1997 Mercedes at Locust Street and Lafayette Avenue for an equipment violation, around 11:30 p.m.

Criminal activity was detected. Drug paraphernalia and a homemade pipe bomb were found during a subsequent search of the vehicle.

Because of the potential danger, the bomb squad was called to the scene.

Ames said the ISP Emergency Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was immediately contacted and additional troopers from the Putnamville Post arrived on scene to secure the area for public safety. 

"Once the EOD team arrived, they took possession of the homemade pipe bomb and disposed of it," he said.