The Arkansas State Police Bomb Squad, Pine Bluff Police Department and the Pine Bluff Fire Departments responded to a call Tuesday about an improvised explosive device that was found by moving company personnel inside a home at 420 Edwards Road.
“Right now, no one lives in the house,” Pine Bluff Police Public Lieutenant David DeFoor said. “The company was moving after the former tenant was no longer there. We don’t have a clue what his frame of mind was prior to the incident last week. Jefferson County is working that, so any background of the guy who lived here I have no information on. I know they sent him to the crime lab, but I don’t know what results Jefferson County got back.”
The house was left vacant after the body of 60-year old Chris Bertucci was found inside by law enforcement late last week. Bertucci’s body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab, and a death investigation is underway at this time. Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies were attempting to serve an eviction notice when the man’s remains were discovered.
When local law enforcement responded to the location, the Arkansas State Police Bomb Squad was called, and it was confirmed that the item found by the moving company was an improvised explosive device. “It was a 20-ounce bottle with what looks like a hand grenade cap on it. It had a spoon and pin, and inside looks like black powder or gun powder. To be on the safe side we called the State Police bomb squad. They came out and verified that it is a legitimate device and that is really is an improvised explosive device.
Lieutenant David DeFoor said it’s been several years since the Pine Bluff Police Department has responded to an incident like this.
