Live pipe bomb shuts down intersection

A gardening crew tasked with clearing out shrubs and branches in a Palm Desert neighborhood stumbled on a live pipe bomb Monday afternoon.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Cpl. Angel Ramos said when the crew found the suspicious device about 12:30 p.m. along Oasis near Country Club Drive, they called police.

Sheriff’s bomb technicians were called to the scene to investigate the device, and determined it was a live pipe bomb that “presented substantial danger to the public.” Police rendered it safe, according to Ramos.

Ramos said investigators do not believe the bomb was connected with President Barack Obama’s recent visit to the Coachella Valley, and that police are not currently looking for other bombs. At this point, no suspects have been identified.

Anyone with information about this incident can call Deputy Chlarson, from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Hazardous Device Team, at (951) 955-6611.