By William Thornton 

A man and woman are being held in the Limestone County Jail in connection with the discovery of what authorities say was a “homemade explosive device.”

The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office said on Friday investigators were searching for a stolen motorcycle. Lt. Jay Stinnett encountered a man and woman pushing a motorcycle on Zehner Road. When Stinnett attempted to make contact with the two, they fled on foot.

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators found two book bags that the two dropped while fleeing. Inside one of the book bags was an explosive device.

Authorities secured the scene. The Huntsville Bomb Squad was notified, responded and was able to render the device safe.

Investigators identified the two as Terry Lee Cline and Amber Nicole Barnes, both of Athens. They were taken into custody.

Cline has been charged with first degree property theft, attempting to elude, explosives or destructive device, drug possession and six additional outstanding warrants.

Barnes faces charges of explosives or destructive devices, drug possession, attempting to elude, and three additional outstanding warrants.

Both are being held in the Limestone County Jail without bond.

Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin thanked the Huntsville Police Bomb Squad, Athens EMS, and the Owens Volunteer Fire Department.

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