Crime & Safety
Possible Pipe Bombs Found In Vehicle By Salem Police: Update
Diana Espaillat and Brandi Hamm of Manchester face felony charges after a traffic stop led to state police bomb squad detonating pipe bombs.
SALEM, NH — Salem Police Chief Joel Dolan reported Friday that the Salem Police Department evacuated local businesses after police found what are believed to be pipe bombs in a vehicle during a traffic stop.
At approximately 5:20 p.m., police performed a motor vehicle stop on Pelham Road across from the Red Roof Inn after it was observed that the vehicle's registration was expired.
During the initial investigation, police discovered what are believed to be three pipe bombs in the vehicle.
Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The New Hampshire State Police Bomb Squad was called in to assist with the investigation. Pelham Road was shut down between Exit 2 of Route 93, and North Policy St.
State Police bomb technicians examined the items and made 3 detonations to render the potential pipe bombs to be safe to handle. Upon further investigation, police found there was no powder in the alleged bombs and no charges have been filed associated with those items as a result.
Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Police said on Monday that two people from the incident face multiple charges.
DIANA ESPAILLAT, AGE 35, OF MANCHESTER has been charged with:
- Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony)
- Possession of Heroin (felony)
- Transportation of Drugs in a Motor Vehicle (misdemeanor)
BRANDI HAMM, AGE 29, OF MANCHESTER has been charged with:
- Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony)
- Possession of Cocaine (felony)
- Possession of Heroin (felony)
- Possession of Prescription Drugs Without a Prescription (misdemeanor)
Espaillat and Hamm were scheduled for arraignment in Rockingham County Superior Court on Monday.
Robert Matteson, 28, of Manchester was also arrested as a result of the traffic stop.
Police said Matteson was arrested at the scene on an outstanding warrant out of Manchester District Court. Matteson was brought to Rockingham County Jail on Friday and was being held on $200 bail.
Salem Police say other charges have been filed resulting from the traffic stop that was initially conducted because of an expired motor vehicle registration.
©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news.