Barstow Police officers wait outside the Love's Truck Stop on Lenwood Road near the Outlet Center on Tuesday afternoon as authorities dispose of an explosive device found nearby. Lenwood Road was closed to traffic and several businesses were evacuated as a precaution
LENWOOD — Police officers closed roads and ordered evacuations in the Lenwood area Tuesday afternoon after an explosive device was found near the former Yellow Freight facility, located just off Lenwood Road.
According to Barstow Police Department Lt. Andy Espinoza Jr., officers responded after a man walking his dog “came across the device.” Barstow police contacted the Department of Defense Explosive Ordinance Detail, which confirmed it was an explosive device.
The EOD also confirmed the device was “unstable” and would have to be detonated in place, Espinoza said.
“They determined it was too dangerous to move the device from the location,” Espinoza explained.
Police officers, assisted by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputies and California Highway Patrol officers, closed roads and evacuated anyone within 300 yards of the explosive.
Several nearby businesses were evacuated and the Interstate 15 off-ramps at Lenwood Road were closed while the EOD worked to dispose of the device, Espinoza said.
Espinoza said he did not known exactly what type of explosive was found.
City of Barstow spokesman Anthony Riley said the device was “unearthed” by recent rainstorms.
“Everyone within 300 yards of the explosives is being evacuated until the process is completed,” Riley said in a statement. “We thank everyone for their patience and understanding while the ordinance detail completes their work.”
Employees from Love’s Travel Stop were not told to evacuate, but to stay inside. But several employees were standing outside along with several motorists as they waited for the device to be detonated.