DETROIT (WWJ) -- Authorities are investigating after an explosive chemical substance was found at a popular used bookstore in Detroit.
The Detroit Police Department's Bomb Squad was scene, late Monday morning, outside John K. King Used and Rare Books after a bottle of picric acid was found by a staffer.
The Detroit Fire Department confirmed to WWJ Newsradio 950 the bottle was discovered Sunday inside the store on Lafayette Boulevard near the Lodge.
The staffer -- who studied chemistry at Wayne State University -- noticed the acid in the bottle had crystallized, causing concerns it was unstable, so she placed it outside.
The staffer said the store does collect antiques in addition to books and this bottle was part of that collection.
She called the DFD Monday morning, the department responded.
Picric acid is a highly explosive, bright yellow chemical compound with an extremely bitter taste. While historically used in military artillery shells, it is most commonly found today as a specialized dye or staining agent in laboratories.
Hazmat cleared 350 feet radius around the store, while the DFD Bomb Squad responded.
The Bomb Squad came and retrieved the bottle, along with another old bottle of chemicals.
No injuries have been reported, and the DFD has since cleared the scene.
As a result of the investigation, a section of northbound I-75 was closed, as well as the southbound Lodge exit to Howard. All lanes have since reopened.
