Pipe Bomb Found In East Bay Storm Drain

ALAMEDA, CA — Crew members from Alameda's Public Works Department discovered a suspicious item in a storm drain on Tuesday that was later determined to be an old pipe bomb, according to the Alameda Police Department.

The workers found the item around 10:15 a.m. in a drain near Sixth Street and Taylor Avenue, prompting them to call the police, the Alameda Police Department confirmed.

By 10:30 a.m., officers called the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit to the scene. During the investigation, traffic was shut down on nearby Alameda streets as a precaution, according to the Alameda PD.

According to the Alameda PD, "After conducting a series of scans, the item was identified as an old pipe bomb. While the combustible materials appeared to have deteriorated over time, the EOD Unit took appropriate action to safely neutralize the device."

Approximately an hour later, they reported that the area was clear and reopened to traffic.

"We want to thank the community for their patience and cooperation as we worked to ensure public safety," the Alameda Police Department wrote in a statement Tuesday afternoon. "This incident serves as an important reminder to avoid approaching active police or fire scenes. Keeping a safe distance allows emergency personnel to respond quickly, investigate thoroughly, and most importantly, ensure the safety of all community members."

No injuries were reported in connection with the investigation and neutralization of the pipe bomb, they said.

No information was disclosed about how the pipe bomb ended up in the storm drain.