Hwy. 26 traffic stop leads to device, OSP bomb squad call

A traffic stop Tuesday evening on U.S. Highway 26 in the John Day area led to the arrests of three occupants, a highway closure and the call-out of the Oregon State Police Explosives Unit to render safe an explosive device found in the car, troopers said.

Around 6:45 p.m., an OSP trooper stopped a 2015 Toyota Scion on Highway 26 near milepost 163 in Grant County.

The driver, Jeremiah Alsop of Prairie City, was arrested on a DUII charge and for two felony warrants, troopers said. The Toyota’s owner, Alycia Howes, 22, also was arrested on a felony warrant, while a second passenger, Tanner Prock, 22, was arrested by John Day police as a result of an earlier investigation.

During the stop, an explosive device was located in the car and OSP’s bomb squad responded from Salem with its robotic unit to render the device safe from a safe distance.

The stop and subsequent operation closed Highway 26 in the area for about 2 1/2 hours.

Troopers said Alsop also will be charged with possession of a destructive device and methamphetamine possession; Howes also will be charged with meth possession.