Kentucky State Police say they are trying to find out why an improvised explosive device was at a truck stop Sunday.

Troopers say the device was found in a trash can at a Pilot Flying J truck stop in Pendleton. An employee discovered the pipe bomb in one of the store's exterior trash cans.

Authorities evacuated the building and set up a perimeter before a hazardous materials team came in and examined the pipe bomb. They would eventually deem the area safe.

Investigators conducted interviews and collected surveillance, and they are still trying to figure out who disposed of the bomb in the trash can.

Kentucky State Police warn the public about explosives, saying the use of these weapons is a felony.

The store was closed for hours during the incident.