The Associated Press
Clayton, N.M. (AP) -- A one-block area around the Clayton Police Department was evacuated for about seven hours after officers found a pyrotechnic device in a sport-utility vehicle.
The small square gadget, with wires poking out, was found in an envelope and seized by the state police bomb squad for disposal, said state police Lt. Jimmy Glascock.
Clayton police stopped the SUV Wednesday morning after officers noticed it had Colorado license plates issued to another car, he said.
The SUV was taken to a street near the police station to be searched, Glascock said.
“While conducting the search, they discovered an envelope labeled, ‘Caution explosives,”’ Glascock said.
Having the device did not violate state law, he said.
The man and woman in the car were booked into the Union County Detention Center on other charges, he said Thursday.
Eugene Kline, 25, of Houston was charged with possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, false registration and driving while his license was suspended, Glascock said. August Marker, 21, of Colorado Springs, Colo., was charged with possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana, Glascock said.