Thayer County Man Arrested After Discovery of Pipe Bomb

A Thayer County man is in custody after a traffic accident led to the discovery of what authorities report was a pipe bomb.On March 6, 2026, at approximately 2:20 a.m., deputies with the Thayer County Sheriff’s office were dispatched to the scene of 911 hang-up call on Road R, between Road 6200 and Road 6300. According to the Affidavit for Arrest Warrant, deputies made contact with the driver, identified as Tanner D. Keeling, age 30, of Byron, who was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident. Tanner was transported to the Thayer County Hospital. Deputies determined they had probable cause to search the vehicle. Per the affidavit, deputies “located a galvanized pipe with a green fuse.”The Nebraska State Patrol Bomb Squad was called to the scene to investigated. The object was determined to be “an explosive device.”On March 10, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Thayer County Sheriff's Office executed an arrest warrant along with a search warrant in Byron and Keeling was arrested.Keeling is charged possession of controlled substance and unlawful possession of an explosive device, each a class 4 felony punishable by a maximum two-year prison sentence, along with up to one year of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine. According to the sheriff’s office, additional charges including possession of dangerous weapon by prohibited person, possession of controlled substances, and possession with intent to distribute may be added after review by the Thayer County Attorney. The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol, including NSP bomb techs, along with the Nuckolls County Sheriff's Office. Keeling is currently being held in the Thayer County Jail on a $25,000 (10 percent) bond.

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