TONASKET, WA – Authorities confirmed an improvised explosive device (IED) was found Thursday morning by a woman walking along a path near the Tonasket School campus.

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office said the area was quickly secured to protect students and the public. The Spokane Bomb Squad responded and confirmed the device contained black powder. A bomb disposal technician conducted a controlled detonation, which may have been heard in the immediate area.

The path where the device was located is open to community members and used daily. Deputies said it was fortunate that no one was harmed.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have seen the device earlier in the day or witnessed someone handling it to contact investigators to assist with the ongoing case.