Bomb Techs Destroy Explosive Planted Outside Spanaway Gym

SPANAWAY, WA — Law enforcement officers are investigating after an improvised explosive device was found planted outside a Spanaway gym.

The incident happened earlier this week outside the LA Fitness Gym at 15707 Pacific Ave S. According to deputies, a gym member spotted a suspicious looking object near the building, and brought it inside to report it to a manager. The manager quickly recognized it was an explosive, and then took it back outside before dialing 911.

The Pierce County Sheriff's Department bomb squad was dispatched, and took the IED to an isolated spot where they could safely destroy. Upon further investigation, the bomb squad says they found the device was a modified aerial firework, which had been wrapped in electrical tape and stuffed into a camera lens case. If set off, deputies say it could have caused serious bodily injuries.

Fortunately, the bomb was disposed of without incident and no one was hurt. Now, investigators are trying to determine who made the explosive and set it outside the gym in the first place.

Deputies also say that the incident is a good reminder: don't pick up anything like this. If you see a suspicious object, don't try to handle it, leave it where it is and call 911.