'It was a big boom': Battle Creek homeowner reacts to targeted bomb attack

Late Friday night, a tranquil neighborhood in Battle Creek was jolted by a sudden explosion.

 

Joy Chantrene, a resident of Ridge Street, described the unsettling moment: "All of a sudden, this big boom went off, and the TV shook, the windows, everything."

 

Authorities responded promptly to the scene, located in the 100 block of Ridge Street, shortly before 11:30 p.m.

 

Upon arrival, they discovered that an improvised explosive device (IED) had been thrown under a recreational vehicle (RV) parked on the street.

 

Additionally, a second device, resembling a small pipe bomb, was found nearby but had failed to detonate.

 

Bomb Unit Commander Chris Rabbitt indicated that the attack appeared to be targeted.

 

He noted that someone in a vehicle had thrown the explosive device while traveling down the road.

 

Fortunately, no one was inside the RV at the time, and the blast resulted in no injuries.

 

However, the incident has left Chantrene deeply shaken.

 

"It's scary. I haven't been staying here a lot the last few nights because I don't want to be by myself," she admitted.

 

"I shouldn't have to stay away from my own home."

 

Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from neighborhood cameras in hopes of identifying a suspect.

 

They are also examining the unexploded device for potential fingerprints or DNA evidence.

 

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Battle Creek Police Department at 269-781-0911.

 

Tips can also be shared anonymously with Silent Observer at 269-964-3888.

 

In recent months, there has been an uptick in incidents involving homemade explosive devices in the region.

 

For instance, in June 2025, a traffic stop in Grand Traverse County led to the discovery of a homemade bomb, methamphetamine, and firearms.

 

Authorities continue to investigate these incidents to prevent future occurrences and ensure community safety.