A traffic stop on a motorhome in Kewanee on April 25 led to the activation of the Peoria Bomb Squad and the arrest of a Kewanee man for possessing methamphetamine, drug packaging material and a pipe bomb.

Kewanee police made a traffic stop on a motorhome in the 100 block of South Main Street. During the traffic stop, officers developed probable cause to conduct a search of the vehicle and the driver, Barry A. Cox, 58, of Kewanee.

According to a news release from the Kewanee Police Department, officers found drug paraphernalia for the consumption of methamphetamine, a digital scale with suspected meth residue on the scale, drug packaging, a small amount of cannabis and a suspected homemade explosive device.

Officers also conducted a search of Cox which led to the discovery of approximately 8.8 grams of suspected meth. Cox was arrested and taken to the Henry County Jail.

Officers cordoned off the area around the motorhome and contacted the bomb squad from the Peoria Police Department to have them safely evaluate the suspected homemade explosive device. Bomb squad technicians confirmed that the device was a pipe bomb. They rendered it safe and it was then secured as evidence.

On Wednesday the Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Cox with possession of methamphetamine 5-15 grams (Class 2 felony), possession of a weapon by a felon (Class 3 felony), unlawful use of a weapon (Class 3 felony), and possession of drug paraphernalia (Class A misdemeanor).

The Class 2 felony carries a potential sentence of 3-7 years in state prison. Bond for Cox was set at $250,000.00 (10 percent). A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for May 8 at the Henry County Courthouse.