VIGO CO. — During a traffic stop in Terre Haute in January, Indiana State Police discovered a homemade pipe bomb in the vehicle of an intoxicated driver, Sgt. Matt Ames released on Saturday.
On January 13, an ISP trooper stopped a 1997 Mercedes around 11:30 p.m. in the area of Locust Street and Lafayette Avenue for an equipment violation when he found drug paraphernalia and a homemade pipe bomb in possession of Nathaniel Hoctor, 28, and Levi Gillis, 28.
The ISP Emergency Ordnance Disposal team was immediately contacted, according to ISP. Additional troopers were also sent from Putnamville to help secure the area for public safety.
Further investigation revealed that Hoctor was driving while impaired, and Gillis, of Clinton, was wanted on an active warrant for several charges.
Both Hoctor and Gillis were taken into custody and transported to the Vigo County jail, where they're currently being detained.
Hoctor is facing four different charges, including possession of a destruction device, a level 5 felony, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Gillis is facing three different charges, including possession of cocaine or narcotic drugs, a level 5 felony, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
The EOD team did dispose of the bomb.
