Hays Police stopped a Wisconsin man early Friday morning for driving the wrong way on a one-way street. During the stop, the officer discovered an improvised explosive device in the pickup driven by 22-year-old Steven Wright.

The downtown area was blocked off, and the Kansas Highway Patrol’s Hazardous Device Unit was called in. The unit confirmed that the item was an IED and removed it to a remote location to safely dismantle it.

Wright has been arrested on probable cause for Criminal Use of Explosives, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and is being held on an out of county warrant. The Hays Police, KBI and Kansas State Fire Marshall’s Office are investigating.

Police Chief Don Scheibler says this appears to be an “isolated incident of an individual using extremely poor judgment.”

9:30am: It is safe to return to downtown Hays. Law enforcement has removed the Improvised Explosive Device from the city.

Hays Police want to thank everyone for cooperating and staying out of the area this morning.

 

6:08am: The Hays Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol are investigating an Improvised Explosive Device in downtown Hays.

The investigation is in the 100 block of West 10th Street. Residents should also avoid the 900 and 1000 blocks of Main and the surrounding areas of 9th and 10th Streets until the area is determined safe.