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UPDATE: Both Lanes of I-24 Reopened, Oregon Man Charged with 'Use of Weapon of Mass Destruction'

Kentucky State Police

UPDATE: 3:45 p.m.

Kentucky State Police have charged 45-year-old Michael Jack Higgs of Grants Pass, Oregon with third degree use of a weapon of mass destruction after an explosive device was found in his car Thursday morning during a traffic stop. The device was rendered safe by KSP personnel. 

The incident closed Interstate 24 in Lyon County for hours. Both west and eastbound lanes reopened to normal traffic before 1:30 p.m.

Higgs is also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and several misdemeanors. A passenger in the car is not currently facing any charges.

UPDATE 12:36 p.m.  The Kentucky State Police have arrested one person and detained another after discovering a possible improvised explosive device in a vehicle on I-24 in Lyon County. 

The Interstate is closed in both directions as the investigation continues. 

The KSP say two troopers conducted a traffic stop this morning near mile marker 47 on I-24 eastbound.  During the stop, troopers noticed what appeared to be a small, IED inside the vehicle. 

Traffic is shut down and rerouted at the 45 mile marker eastbound and 56 mile marker westbound.  

approx location

The KSP's Hazardous Material Unit was notified and is currently on scene clearing the device.  Once the device is cleared and a more detailed search of the vehicle takes place, the interstate will re-open after a thorough search of the vehicle. 

KSP arrested one male and detained one female during the search. 

The situation is ongoing. More details to come. 

Original post: The Kentucky State Police have closed Interstate 24 in both east and westbound directions between mile markers 45-54 due to a possible bomb in a vehicle. 

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesman Keith Todd says the move is in response to a request from the KSP earlier this morning:

WE ARE ON A TRAFFIC STOP AT THE 47 MM AND THE VEHICLE HAS A POSSIBLE IED INSIDE.    A BOMB SQUAD IS ON SCENE.  THE TEAM HAS REQUESTED WE SHUT INTERSTATE 24 DOWN IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.

IED stands for "improvised explosive device."

KYTC is setting up a detour via KY 93 through southern Lyon County. Motorists traveling this detour should be aware of heavy traffic. 

John Null is the host and creator of Left of the Dial. From 2013-2016, he also served as a reporter in the WKMS newsroom.
Rob Canning is a native of Murray, KY, a 2015 TV Production grad of Murray State. At MSU, he served as team captain of the Murray State Rowing Club. Rob's goal is to become a screenwriter, film director or producer and looks to the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie for inspiration. He appreciates good music, mainly favoring British rock n' roll, and approves of anything with Jack White's name on it. When not studying, rowing or writing, Rob enjoys spending his free time with a book or guitar.
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