Suspect named: man found with pipe bombs

Howell County Sheriff’s Deputies found improvised explosive devices during a traffic stop in the early morning hours of July 9. After an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Bomb Squad, a 22-year-old Mountain View man faces two charges of unlawful possession of an illegal weapon, a class D felony. 

According to a probable cause statement filed by Deputy Talon Millard of the Howell County Sherriff’s Office, two deputies were searching County Road 3080 near Mountain View for an unrelated suspect when they initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. The male passenger, Cody Kenaga, threw an item, later confirmed to be an improvised explosive device, from the vehicle.

Kenaga was taken into custody, and a search of his person found wicks, lighters, a .233 round, a used hot glue stick, and firecrackers. 

When the bomb squad arrived on scene, they analyzed the first bomb and rendered it safe. A thorough search of the surrounding area located a second pipe bomb. 

According to court documents, Kenaga admitted to making both bombs and to throwing them from the vehicle to avoid getting caught with them. He told deputies there are no other explosives. The suspect said he makes bombs because he, “doesn’t mess with guns.”

Kenaga was formally charged on July 9. He posted his $10,000 bond on July 11. This matter is scheduled for an initial appearance before the Honorable R. David Ray on July 24.