Idaho Falls man questioned in Blackfoot bomb squad investigation

UPDATE (10:30 a.m. Monday)

Blackfoot Police have charged Kenneth Leslie Caldwell, 33, of Idaho Falls for carrying a concealed weapon.

According to reports, Blackfoot Police contacted Caldwell on a motorist assist call at 1:36 p.m. Sunday. Police then noticed several suspicious items within his car, including propane cylinders, a large quantity of BB’s, pipes, fireworks, and electronic switches.

Caldwell was detained and the Idaho Falls bomb squad was called to evaluate the items, collect them, then take them to a shooting range where they were destroyed.

Caldwell had his arraignment Monday morning and he pleaded not guilty, he was also appointed a public defender.

He’s schedule to attend a pre-trail conference on June 14 and was released.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The parking lot at the Walmart in Blackfoot was closed for a time because police found a car with small explosives inside.

Police said the suspect is in custody.

The Idaho Falls Police bomb squad was called in to remove the explosives from the car and while they did, a large perimeterwas set up around the car.

Police don’t know what the suspects intention were with the explosives.

But it did cause frustration for customers trying leave the parking lot.

“Were stuck here unless we have four wheel drive to go out that way we are not leaving,” said Crystal Underhill.

“We are trapped in here right now and all the cops keep pushing us back but we were right there,” said Gabe Rollene.

“Scared and dangerous, ” said John Trotter.

Some cars and trucks made their own exit, by going over a rock landscape.

Blackfoot Lt. Paul Newbold said about the explosives, “They are small enough that it wouldn’t cause a big explosion or anything like that.”

Walmart and other nearby businesses within the area stayed open.

“But we have probably a 500 yard by 300 yard safety zone,” said Newbold.

Once the bomb squad arrived they used the bomb disposal robot to check the car.