IED event in Nebraska, York County area, United States of America on Sun 21st June 2026

YORK COUNTY, Neb. (KSNB) - Two men are facing charges in York County after deputies say separate traffic stops led to the discovery of suspected homemade explosive devices.

The York County Sheriff’s Office first announced the arrests in a Facebook post. Court documents filed this week provide additional details about what led to the stops, what deputies say they found and what charges prosecutors filed.

The first stop happened June 19 shortly after 8 p.m. near Highway 81 and Road 22, about seven miles north of York.

According to a probable cause affidavit, a York County sheriff’s sergeant stopped a motorcycle driven by James Winter, of Benedict, after radar showed it traveling 82 mph in a 65 mph zone. The affidavit says Winter did not provide proof of insurance and told the sergeant the motorcycle’s registration had expired.

During the stop, the sergeant deployed a certified narcotics-detection K-9 named Justice around the motorcycle. The affidavit says the K-9 alerted to the odor of narcotics, leading deputies to search Winter’s backpack and motorcycle.

Deputies said they found a switchblade knife with a 3.75-inch blade in Winter’s backpack. Under the rear motorcycle seat, deputies said they found a suspected homemade explosive device described as a cylindrical tube about 6 to 7 inches long, capped at both ends, with a wick protruding from it. The affidavit says the sergeant saw gray powder inside the device after removing one cap.

The affidavit says Winter told law enforcement the device was a firecracker he had bought. Nebraska State Patrol bomb squad members were contacted to test the device and determine whether it was viable.

Court documents show Winter is charged with possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, carrying a concealed weapon by a prohibited person, second offense, possession of a destructive device, no proof of insurance, no valid registration, and speeding.

Winter’s bond was set at $75,000, with 10 percent allowed. His first appearance is scheduled for July 15 at 11 a.m. in York County Court.

Court records show, a York County sheriff’s deputy stopped a white Dodge Ram driven by Troy E. Pfeil, of St. Paul, on June 21 about six miles west of York, after the deputy saw the pickup drive onto the shoulder while turning onto Highway 34. The deputy also reported hearing a loud muffler and smelling exhaust fumes.

The affidavit says the deputy deployed a certified narcotics-detection K-9 named Duke around the pickup during the stop. The affidavit says Duke alerted to the odor of narcotics, leading deputies to search the vehicle.

During the search, deputies said they found several knives, an unmarked pill bottle containing four clindamycin pills, and a 4-inch PVC pipe bomb in the center console.

The affidavit says the pipe bomb was made of white PVC tubing, was capped on both ends and had a wick protruding from one end. A Nebraska State Patrol bomb squad trooper told deputies that PVC from that type of bomb can become shrapnel and act as a destructive device, according to the affidavit.

Court documents show Pfeil is charged with possession of a destructive device, carrying a concealed weapon by a prohibited person, second offense, no proof of insurance, driving on the shoulder, and a muffler violation.

The sheriff’s office said the Nebraska State Patrol bomb squad helped safely handle and dispose of the suspected devices. Officials said the devices no longer posed a threat to the public.

The sheriff’s office also reminded the public that homemade explosive devices are unstable and can cause serious injury, death or property damage.

The York County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment.

Both men are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.