(UPDATED) Bomb Squad Gives All-Clear in Eyota
Eyota, MN (KROC-AM News) -The all-clear has been given in Eyota and residents affected by a bomb scare being allowed to return to their homes this evening.
Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson and Sheriff’s Captain Scott Behrns held a news conference shortly after members of the St. Paul Bomb Squad arrived and determined a car belonging to an Eyota man did not pose a danger. The inspection by the bomb squad was requested after a Rochester Police Department K9 officer alerted for the scent of explosives on the vehicle.
The sweep for the explosives was ordered because local authorities had been contacted by the Department of Homeland Security that Joshua Smith had contacted the federal information and had information that “someone” had explosives in a vehicle. While working to locate Smith, the Sheriff’s Department became aware he was wanted on a warrant issued by Dakota County in a drug case and took him into custody. Captain Behrns says deputies were also made aware that Smith held strong anti-government sentiments.
Sheriff Torgerson says there are indications the man may have been experiencing a mental health crisis and it’s not known if any criminal charges will be filed in connection with today’s incident.