A traffic stop in Tulare County led deputies to drugs, a homemade firearm and a live pipe bomb, according to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies stopped a vehicle for a motor vehicle violation around 10 a.m. Saturday. The driver, Camren James Pankratz, 28, was found to be on county probation, prompting deputies to search the vehicle.

During the search, deputies discovered a hidden compartment beneath the center console. Inside, they found drugs, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, a homemade firearm known as a zip gun, and what they suspected was a small pipe bomb.

Detectives with the Central Valley Regional Bomb Squad were called to investigate the device and determined it was a live pipe bomb.

Sheriff’s detectives then obtained a search warrant for Pankratz’s home near Sultana.

During the search of the home, investigators found additional items identified as pipe bomb-making materials. The materials were rendered safe at the scene and collected as evidence.

Pankratz was booked into jail on various weapons-related charges, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

A passenger in the vehicle was also arrested and booked on an unrelated warrant.

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