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Maricopa County: Nearly complete pipe bomb found in desert

Posted at 3:47 PM, Sep 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-30 23:28:07-04

Authorities are investigating after a suspicious device was found in the desert south of the Valley.

A sheriff's office spokeswoman says the possible explosive device was found about a quarter-mile from the road near State Route 238 and Maricopa Road by someone out for a walk. No road closures were necessary due to the device's remote location, MCSO said. 

The agency's explosive ordinance disposal unit determined the device had the makings of a pipe bomb. Specialists removed the end caps and discovered it was only missing a few pieces from being a completed explosive device.

Authorities said the device was secured and will be tested for fingerprints.