Man and woman drop homemade explosive device in north Alabama while being chased by deputy, officials say

A man and woman are being held in the Limestone County Jail in connection with the discovery of what authorities say was a “homemade explosive device.”

The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office said on Friday investigators were searching for a stolen motorcycle. Lt. Jay Stinnett encountered a man and woman pushing a motorcycle on Zehner Road. When Stinnett attempted to make contact with the two, they fled on foot.

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators found two book bags that the two dropped while fleeing. Inside one of the book bags was an explosive device.

Authorities secured the scene. The Huntsville Bomb Squad was notified, responded and was able to render the device safe.

Investigators identified the two as Terry Lee Cline and Amber Nicole Barnes, both of Athens. They were taken into custody.

Read more: AL.com