The discovery of a suspicious package forced the evacuation of a local manufacturer.

Johnstown Police were called to JWF Industries on Iron Street around 6:00 o’clock Thursday morning after a pipe bomb was found in an employee’s locker.

A bomb squad from Pittsburgh was called in to remove the pipe bomb.  They removed the bomb and safely destroyed it.

During their investigation, Christin Barnes was taken into custody.  Police searched his home and say they found other bomb making materials.

Police say the 45 year old man claims he found the pipe bomb at the facility and put it in his locker.

Workers were allowed back in the facility around 10:30 a.m. 

Interim Chief Jeff Janciga said from all accounts, Barnes was a stand up employee. He said, “”He did what he was told, when he was told. No discipline problems. So, I’m thinking that there may be something in his personal life that this may be a step toward doing something.”

Janciga also commended the supervisors for reporting their finding as quickly as possible. He said, “If it wasn’t for the alert people of JWF and reporting this, something tragic could have happened and hopefully we avoid any tragedy in the future.”