An improvised explosive device detonated on the 800 block of 6th Street near Park Ave. in Bremerton at around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.
Police said there were indications “low explosive powder” was used, but lab analysis was pending to determine the makeup of the device.
The state bomb squad was called to investigate “what [the BPD] believe was a sparkler bomb,” according to Washington State Patrol public information officer Brandon Johnason. A sparkler bomb is a homemade explosive that usually contains commercially sold fireworks.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom and seeing smoke coming from the area. One witness said he thought it was a blown transformer, but that the sound was louder.
The Bremerton Police Department confirmed that a bomb had exploded.
“Part of the explosive device struck an unoccupied parked vehicle, causing damage, and other parts of the explosive device traveled over 100 feet, landing on a sidewalk near the Kitsap Rescue Mission,” a BPD release states.
Jacob Osborn was across the street at the Kitsap Rescue Mission when the explosion occurred.
“It was just a loud boom,” he said. “It was literally right next to us. I saw smoke like something was on fire.”
“It shook this whole place up,” Vernon Parrow said.
No injuries have been reported.
BPD also stated that a bomb squad from Washington State Patrol and agents from the FBI are assisting with the investigation.
This story will be updated as more details become available.
