The country was greeted into the new year with a terrorist attack that took place in New Orleans. The next day, it was reported that eight Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were found in an apartment in Airway Heights.
Typically, when we hear about IEDs, we think of them as being associated with terror attacks, but in this case, that does not seem to be the case. According to the Stevens County Sheriff's Department, the IEDs were found as a result of a search warrant for Angela L. Andreas-Miller
(54) in connection with a fraud investigation. One IED was found in Ms. Miller's bedroom, along with methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia. The other seven were found in her vehicle.
Apparently, Angela initially claimed to have had no knowledge of the devices and said that friends had access to her apartment. Later, she stated that she had been working on a novel about a U.S. Marshal and had looked up how to make fireworks so that she knew what she was writing about. Police found notes on how to make bombs in her room. The devices are said to be pipes with fuses packed with screws and were described as “very combustible.”
The apartment complex was mandatorily evacuated while EDU units secured the devices. The ATF is involved in a joint investigation with police, but there has been no new information from any of the agencies involved. We have not yet seen any involvement from the FBI or other federal agencies, other than the ATF. Authorities are hoping to conclude that there was no intent to use the devices. Her booking charges only state the possession of the items and do not mention any intent to use them on people or property.
Angela Miller's bond was set at $498,000. Spokane County Judge Vance Peterson said, “She is to have no other criminal law violations, must provide updated contact information, appear timely for all court dates, and not be in possession of any dangerous weapons.” With this statement, it is safe to say Ms. Miller will be walking free if the bond is paid and is not considered to be a threat to the public.
Again, the incident is still under investigation and is subject to change when more information is released.
