Williston Police, Williams County request state's support as explosive materials detonation continues

Update 10/13/22: (Williston, ND) - The Minot and Bismarck Bomb Squads are continuing to dispose of the explosive materials found earlier this week in a Williston building.

According to the City of Williston, the Williston City Landfill is being utilized as the sole location to dispose of the materials. The bomb squads will be detonating the items throughout the day, and residents are alerted that they may hear explosive noises as the items are safely disposed of.

"Safety is of the highest level of importance while detonating and disposing of these items," a news release from the City of Williston said. "The Williston Police Department is operating under the direction of Minot Bomb Squad and Bismarck Bomb Squad to ensure that all safety precautions are being taken during this process."

The Williston Police Department in partner with the Williams County Emergency Manager  requested assistance from the North Dakota National Guard’s (NDNG) 81st Civil Support  Team (CST). The request was made by the Williams County Emergency Manager to the  North Dakota Department of Emergency Services at approximately 6 p.m., Oct. 12. The North Dakota National Guard’s (NDNG) 81st Civil Support Team (CST) capability includes the ability to analyze both quantitative and qualitative materials to include solids, powders, pastes, gels and liquids as well as a mobile analytical laboratory system, which has identification capabilities of biological, chemical and toxin compounds. 

The scene is still under investigation and has not been deemed safe for residents to return to their homes. The investigation into the explosive materials is still active. More information will continue to be provided as it becomes available to be released.

Update 10/11/22: (Williston, ND) -- Officials with the Williston Police Department said Tuesday night that the bomb squads from Minot and Bismarck shut down the operations until Wednesday morning.

"Operations cannot continue safely without sufficient lighting," a press release from the department said. The scene will remain secured by law enforcement. The Williston Fire Department will also remain on scene for safety and assistance. All closed roadways from this incident have now been reopened. 

Police say the scene is still under investigation and has not been deemed safe for residents to  return to their homes. The investigation into the explosive materials is still active.

Original Story: (Williston, ND) -- Williston Police are continuing an active investigation into explosives being found in a building in the City Monday afternoon.

According to Williston Police, at just before 4 p.m. Monday, officers were called to the 3600 block of 7th Street West for a report of possible narcotic activity. During the investigation, suspected explosive materials were located in an occupied apartment in the building. As a precaution, the building and apartment where the items were found has been evacuated, along with part of a neighboring building.

Williston Police say the Minot Bomb Squad is assisting police with processing of the building, which will remain closed to public access until the scene is deemed safe for the residents to reenter.

Williston Fire is assisting police with scene safety.

A press conference is scheduled for later this afternoon.