Homemade explosive device found during Dubuque traffic stop

Police said they located a homemade explosive device during a Dubuque traffic stop. 34-year-old Austin R. Cochran of Dubuque was arrested at 10:57 p.m. Monday in the 2100 block of Key Way Drive on a charge of possession of explosive materials or a destructive device. Court documents state that Dubuque police stopped Cochran’s vehicle for expired registration at approximately 9:51 p.m. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, police found “a homemade explosive device in a black trash bag” in the vehicle’s trunk. The device appeared to be built with two beer cans, paper towels, red tape, a green fuse and a plastic seal at the top. Documents state that Cochran told police the device contained black powder. The Dubuque Fire Department and Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and removed the explosive device. Authorities detonated the device at approximately 1:20 a.m. Tuesday.