A suspected explosive device was neutralized Tuesday morning, Oct. 14, 2025 after a backpack was brought to the Kent Police Department, prompting evacuations and road closures in the area, police said.
At 10:58 a.m., a private individual drove the backpack to the station after first finding it near the river, according to Kent Police.
Officers immediately evacuated the building and advised nearby businesses and residents to either evacuate or shelter in place (see their social media post below).
The Port of Seattle Bomb Squad responded and determined the device was homemade and potentially active. Using specialized equipment, the team safely neutralized and disposed of it. Surrounding roads were closed while the operation was underway.
As a precaution, Kent Police said they also swept the City Hall campus, but found no additional devices.
The suspect device is now under investigation, and Kent Police said they may work with other law enforcement agencies as part of the case.
Officials emphasized that members of the public should never pick up or transport suspicious objects.
“It is extremely dangerous to move explosives and should only be done by highly trained professionals,” Kent Police said in their statement. “Improvised explosive devices are especially unstable.”
Police thanked the Port of Seattle Bomb Squad for their assistance and community members for following safety directives during the incident.
ROAD CLOSURE 4TH AND TITUS-STAY OUT OF THE AREA
— Kent Police (@kentpd) October 14, 2025
There is police activity near 4th Ave S and Titus St. Road closures are imminent.
AVOID THE AREA UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE pic.twitter.com/mo13X4ZGDV
