The Ankeny Police Department confirmed Tuesday evening that a suspicious device found at the Lakeside Center was a pipe bomb.
The discovery of the pipe bomb resulted in the evacuation of the Lakeside Center, which was being used as a polling place for the city’s special election.
Polk County Auditor Jamie Fitzgerald said at approximately 9:25 a.m., staff was alerted by a passerby that there was a suspicious device in the vicinity of the polling location.
Fitzgerald said Ankeny police were contacted, as well as the Secretary of State’s office was for protocols on how to proceed.
At 12:12 p.m., police said the area was safe and reopened Lakeside Center for voting.
Voters were told they could cast ballots at other locations while the center was closed. Fitzgerald said all votes previously cast at the location are still legitimate.
No other polling sites are suspected to be in danger. Fitzgerald said it is believed to be an isolated incident.
Alcohol Fire and Tobacco officials said they are at the scene to investigate.
Anyone with information regarding the pipe bomb is asked to call the Ankeny Police Department at 515-289-5240. Tips can also be shared by calling Polk County Dispatch at 515-286-3333 and asking to speak with an officer from the Ankeny Police Department.
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