PROVO, Utah (KUTV) — The Bomb Squad removed several pipe bombs from a vehicle parked near the Provo Towne Center Mall.

At approximately 10:30 a.m. on Friday, officers with the Provo Police Department responded to the Towne Center Mall area to investigate reports of a man brandishing a gun in his vehicle.

Officers quickly found the suspect, who had a handgun and ammunition, in the area of 1200 South.

He was identified as Eric Whitaker, 41, of Orem.

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Officers also discovered items that looked like explosive devices, prompting a response from the Bomb Squad.

Four pipe bombs were removed from the area for safe disposal.

Whitaker was detained and interviewed as detectives continued to investigate.

He was booked into the Utah County Jail for possession of an incendiary device, a second-degree felony.

Provo Towne Center released the following statement:

We can confirm that two vehicles involved in an incident offsite had passed through the Provo Towne Centre parking lot earlier today. The situation escalated offsite, prompting intervention from the Provo City Police Department. The center remains open for business.

It is important for you to know that the safety of our shoppers and employees is a top priority for our mall. As part of our commitment to promoting a safe shopping environment, we maintain a highly trained staff that is prepared to respond to a variety of emergency situations. We take numerous proactive measures and coordinate very closely with local officials as a routine practice.

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